Volvo's third way

Both can be relied on to provide instant thrills, but share the disadvantage of being potentially dangerous and more expensive than you first imagined.

Good news chaps. I have found a Third Way. And its massive benefit is that while it is guaranteed to put a wide smile on your face, it looks like you are being sensible, so no one will work out what you are up to until it is too late.

The healthy safer option is the Volvo V70 T5 Sport. The T5 is the important bit, that I will come back to later.

It should not come as a great surprise that Volvo is capable of pulling a trick or two with its apparently oh-so-sensible estate.

This is the car maker, after all, that teamed up with Oxfordshire's sadly-departed TWR motor racing organisation to make its debut in the British Touring Car Championship with a pair of extra-quick estate cars.

Memories of watching those blue-and-white liveried loadluggers blasting around the UK's race circuits came flooding back as soon as I saw the V70.

It sat lower on the road than its sensible sisters, optional chunky 17-inch alloy wheels filled the wheelarches, a spoiler flicked up from the rear and tinted windows kept passers-by from seeing the grins on everyone inside.

The subtle T5 logo is the key to the whole package though, because that means under the bonnet is a 260 horsepower engine capable of taking the car to 155mph, which is probably slightly more power than you really need to drive up the Botley Road in the rush hour. Make no mistake, this estate thoroughly deserves its Sport tag. If you fancy carrying Labradors and green wellies in the back of this car, make sure they are securely strapped in.

Volvo's own research suggests the typical V70 buyer is either a company director, the owner of a small business, or retired, neatly backing up my Third Way theory.

The Swedes certainly enjoy a bit on the side in terms of optional equipment, as the extras fitted to the test car, ranging from a communications pack that integrates a mobile phone into the audio system, computer-controlled suspension and leather upholstery, added another £8,000 to the on-the-road price quoted in the panel here.

Prices for the V70 range start from just over £22,000 for a 2.4-litre model. But if you see that little T5 badge on the back of one, you know you are in for a turbocharged treat. Naughty but nice.

*****

MARIE says: When does an estate car not feel like an estate car? When it's a Volvo V70.

Driving this sporty-looking comfortable car is just sheer pleasure. Volvo's research says drivers of the V70 will probably be university educated, a company director, small business owner or retired and aged 35 to 64. I wonder how many are women? The research does not say, but all those potential buyers will be getting a restful, roomy relaxed ride.

Sitting behind the wheel you are able to adjust the electrically-operated seat to the correct position, for a comfortable reach to the pedals. These are very light and easy to use, but need a soft touch to keep the powerful engine in check.

Although there are quite a few buttons on the dashboard, including a built-in phone pad it doesn't seem daunting. Satellite navigation is provided via a small screen that emerges from the top of the dashboard when activated. This has a split screen, the left showing the turning you need to take next and the right side giving you the wider picture of where you are going. Your route is marked with small triangles making it easy to see straight away when you make a wrong turning and stray from its path.

Moving down from the dashboard the gear-lever has a brushed alloy cover which, at first glance, makes this six-speed manual look like an automatic.

For those people who may find themselves lost in a six-speed box the number of the gears is marked on the outer casing.

The handbrake is close to the driver's seat and in a very easy reach position, it is light, positive and fuss-free.

Parking this four metre-long car is no trouble, but you will definitely overhang any marked parking space, so you need to pick your spot pretty carefully.

Inside, the V70 has masses of room and will comfortable seat five adults with an option of two rear facing seats in the rear load space. When the rear seats are folded you have a completely flat load capacity of 1,641 litres.

As well as quantity the V70 boasts quality in its choice of materials and the way it has been put together, cossetted in the large, comfortable leather seats you feel safe and secure. Judging by the size and weight of the car and the way it has been put together, it gives a reassuring air of solidity.

High-flying females might find this car interesting, but it might be a little too smart to pack a car-load of messy, fingered children inside.

David and Marie Duffy

AUTO FACTS

MODEL

Volvo V70 T5 Sport

PRICE

£29,628

INSURANCE GROUP

16E

FUEL CONSUMPTION (COMBINED)

29.7mpg

COMFORT

Excellent

TOP SPEED

155mph

LENGTH

471cm/185.4in

WIDTH

180.4cm/71in

LUGGAGE CAPACITY

17.1 cu ft

FUEL TANK CAPACITY

70 litres/15.4 gallons

CO2 EMISSIONS