2014 VOLVO V70 2.0 D4 Bus Edn 181bhp Auto €200 Tax

Ask anyone who has driven or owned a Volvo V70 and they will tell you it is the quintessential big estate. It has, as we have come to expect, a luxurious cabin, lots of room, loads of safety features etc but it is the combination of all that and the excellent chassis that sets it apart. There were some key improvements/enhancements such as the upgraded chassis and that makes a huge difference to how it feels on the road and how it behaves on corners. The interior looks and feels better quality compared with the outgoing model. There is more space for passengers and a large boot. On the road the handling and steering feel a lot sharper than before and the ride is really smooth. It feels a lot more planted and competent, which makes for a much better drive. There’s a good selection of engines to choose from too - and they do well when it comes to fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

•  There was a recall in 2009 so make sure the work was carried out

•  Well-built, well-equipped and hi-tech cabin

•  It is much better to drive than the outgoing version

•  An really safe car; there’s a lot of equipment

•  It is a great looking car inside and out

•  It’s a big estate, but there are bigger ones in class for a similar price