Volvo XC70

Where it glides over stuff that would make most 'sporty executive' cars crash and thump. You also get the typically excellent Volvo seats, and little road or wind noise. But the diesel engine is a bit noisy. If the V70 is cool, the identity-crisis XC70 has had a few minutes defrosting in the microwave. The pared-back but beautifully made dash and cabin furniture is a joy, and the materials fine, given a 'country' twist on the XC70. You do get a great sense of reassurance from this car even if the reliability record isn't unblemished. The XC70 corners better than most SUVs of course, but if you think of it as a car you'll be disappointed. The steering is soggy, there's a lot of body roll and the all-weather tyres compromise the on-road grip. Still, the worse the weather gets, the comparatively better off you'll be, thanks to AWD. The XC70 will get you most places. It has semi-off-road tyres, an electronically controlled diff, slightly raised ground clearance and a specially tuned traction control and hill-descent system. You're practically obliged to tow something with it. There's a huge range of storage and tie-down options in the boot, and good built-in child seats.

3.2L engine, 0-100 in 8.6s.

Weight 1.9+ tonnes

Very impressive performance for this car.

Well elevated off the ground, but not as high as other SUVs to make it unstable. In other words, ride is smooth and firm for a SUV-capable car.

Safety features:

Most points scored here.

Adaptive cruise control - it's a cruise control plus automatic braking that helps you to keep a (driver-determined) distance from the vehicle in front.

Collision warning System with autobrake - works all round the clock (unless you turn it off). Gives you an audible and visual (head-up-display on the windscreen) warning when you are a few seconds (you set this, up to a max of 3s) away from impact. When this happen, your brakes are also pre-charged such that a gentle force on the brake pads activate the brakes almost fully.

Very useful when you are tired, (not that focussed after a long day at work) and on the highway and cars in front of you suddenly jam brakes. It's gives you ample time to react SMOOTHLY.

Blind spot information system that lights up a led light near your side mirrors to indicate vehicles in your blindspot area. What a hassle free way to change lanes.

All other standard Volvo safety features apply.

Comfort and Space:

Extremely large and comfortable suspension system. Ideal for family long-distance ride, and even off-road experience.

The seats are superbly ergonomical and contourly matching to the body.