Volvo have spent a lot of time and effort in recent years convincing us they are more than just makers of big estates.

They've lavished a lot of attention on their convertibles (the C70), compact estates (V50) and especially their 4x4s (the exceptionally good XC90). They have also just launched the new S80, a limousine designed to appeal to Mercedes and BMW drivers.

And fine as they may be, the fact remains Volvo are at their strongest when they're turning out bombproof wardrobe-luggers like the V70. Estates haven't really gone out of fashion, despite what the pundits say, and the V70 remains the most popular.

This is the latest version of the traditional big Volvo. You might know the old models by different names - the 145 of the 1960s, the 240 and 265 of the 1970s and the 760 of the 1980s. The current convention uses V (for versatile, meaning estate), S (for sedan, or saloon), C (for convertible) and XC (for cross country), but in essence, the aim of the big Volvo estate remains the same.

Volvo want to provide space, security and comfort.

When those qualities are reached, then they worry about ride and handling. That's not to say it doesn't move well or feel good, just that the emphasis lies in those first three qualities.

It's not one of those lifestyle estates either - you know, those lightweight affairs which are designed for people with 'active lives', whatever that means.

It's easily the most popular 'real' estate despite the presence of mass-market models like Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Vectra and Mazda6 and executive cars like Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class.

The V70 is, despite its image, not the biggest in its class. The E-Class, for example, is 20 per cent bigger but then again it's a lot more expensive.

Pound for pound, the V70 is hard to beat. Its strength is in its style which is simple and elegant, and the fact it's put together so well. Add to that the build quality which you find in very few cars, and it's easy to see why Volvo has so many fans.

If you wanted to be picky, you might question the ride. It's good, but not quite as excellent as some of its executive rivals. And the space in the rear seats isn't quite as good as you might imagine.

Volvo fans, who are as loyal as car owners come, dismiss such quibbles: they'd rather point out their cars run for ever! On the open road the D5 powerplant lives up to its reputation. This 2.4-litre, 185bhp engine feels quick and 0-60mph is in under 8.5 seconds.

Stylistically, Volvo's designers continue to rub off the V70's hard edges. Couple this with some massive alloy wheels (17-inch as standard), the D5's colourcoded exterior mouldings and subtle chrome detailing and it becomes clear that Volvo is intent on laying down the gauntlet to its rivals.

Once inside, you are greeted with the usual contradictions. The luxury is supplied courtesy of leather upholstery, a typically superb stereo system, an electric driver's seat and aluminium mesh trim.

However, a chunky calculator-like centre console and an uninspiring instrument display allude to a more utilitarian outlook.

PRICE: £27,913 Range spans £22,683 to £38,133.

ENGINE: A 2.4 litre unit/185bhp.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 140mph, 060mph in 8.5 seconds.

EMISSIONS: 179g/km.

COSTS: Urban 31.4mpg; extraurban 51.4mpg; combined 41.5mpg.

WARRANTY: Three-year/60,000 miles plus three-year paintwork and eight-year anti-perforation.

INSURANCE: Group 13.

All T&A road test vehicles are independently selected and assessments are carried out impartially by members of our own staff who base their opinions only on the vehicle supplied for these purposes by the manufacturer