Volvo V70

The new chassis has three modes: comfort, sport and advanced. Buttons mounted on the dashboard allow the driver to select the option best suited to different road surfaces and conditions. A reworking of the software that controls the system also promises better refinement and road manners.

Comfort mode delivers impressive results, providing a surprisingly smooth, relaxed ride. However, while sport and advanced settings generate impressive grip, the ride remains very harsh, even over unbroken surfaces.

The V70R is an attractive, well proportioned machine, despite its 4.7-metre length. The fresh look includes sporty 18-inch alloy wheels, chunky front and rear bumpers with large vents, plus a discreet rear spoiler. Standard bi-xenon headlamps complete the external modifications, making this one of the most handsome estate cars on the market.

Inside, the new Volvo is finished to a high standard, with climate control and supportive, well trimmed leather seats. However, performance remains the R's strongest suit, with the turbocharged five-cylinder unit offering 300bhp and 400Nm of torque.

When mated to the manual gearbox, it delivers a 5.9-second 0-60mph time, which is accompanied by a distinctive engine note. Power is fed to all four wheels via a Haldex clutch system, so drive is only transferred to the rear tyres when required.

Volvo's decision not to make wholesale changes to the V70 is a tribute to the car's original design. While the ride could be smoother in the new model, the upgraded Four-C system adds to the appeal of what is a truly great estate.