Boasting quick acceleration and good mid-range muscle, the V70 is deceivingly fast for what is a fairly boxy estate. Available with automatic or manual transmission, there is a magnitude of trim levels and engine sizes available, from 2.0 10-valve to the S70/V70-R, so performance does vary. The 2.5 20v is fast enough if you don’t fancy a turbo model.

The V70 has immense poise and an effective traction control system, with the all-wheel-drive versions being especially confident roadholders. The steering good – giving the driver a true feel of the car’s handling capabilities, as is the body control. One drawback of the V70’s suspension is that the excellent stability comes at the expense of a firm ride.