I like Volvos because what you see is what you get. Most of the range look big, comfortable and safe. And that's because that's just what they are.

So when you eye up the new XC70, it looks like a big, comfortable, safe Volvo that's preparing for a job interview with a mountain rescue team.

And that's because the XC70 can venture where other cars might have second thoughts.

It has four-wheel-drive, but it is very clearly not a full-blown off-roader. If you want to scramble up rock-strewn mountainsides and traverse rivers, then you need to dig into the piggy bank for the much butcher and bigger XC90.

But the XC70 carefully combines the ride, handling and luxury of a Volvo estate with the extra ground clearance and rugged design that can handle reasonably rough terrain.

Although never intended to rival the mud-plugging ability of dedicated off-roaders, the Volvo XC70 is surprisingly capable and can comfortably cope with muddy fields or dirt tracks.

It offers 4x4 standards of ground clearance (209mm), the stability of all-wheel drive, and the lower centre of gravity of an estate car and ease of use without the need for differential locks and transfer boxes.

It is available in three trim levels - all of them pretty impressive - and a choice of two powerful engines, a 2.5-litre, turbocharged, 210 horsepower petrol or the D5, 185 horsepower, turbo diesel, fitted to the test model, which is the top choice in the UK, fitted with either a six-speed manual gearbox, or the option of a six-speed Geartronic. Produced in Volvo's Torslanda plant in Gothenburg, Sweden, the XC70's styling uses chunkier bumpers, extended body-side protection mouldings and wheel arches and larger door mirrors.

Inside, the Volvo XC70 is equally well designed in simple, Scandinavian style, with room for five adults - with the option of two additional rear-facing seats in the load area - and the flexibility of estate car practicality for large loads.

Standard specification includes leather upholstery, alloy wheels, alarm with immobiliser, and power driver's seat and an audio system with an in-dash six-CD autochanger.

Specification changes for the latest model include larger, body-coloured door mirrors that incorporate the side indicator lights, and satin chrome inlays in the air-vent levers, column stalks, and between the remote controls on the steering wheel.

It is 11 years since Volvo first introduced the 'XC' model line and it has proved a great success - particularly in the United States, where the model remains hugely popular.

Auto facts Model: Volvo XC70 D5 SE

  • Price: £31,035
  • Ins group: 15E
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 34mpg
  • Top speed: 127mph
  • Length: 483.8cm/190.5in
  • Width: 186.1cm/73.3in
  • Luggage capacity: 20.3 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 15.4 gallons/70 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 219g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles