IMAGINE the scenario: one night the car design fairy breaks into Volvo's drawing office and steals all the rulers and set squares. From that moment on, the designers were forced to draw curves and sweeping lines. Well, can you think of a better explanation for the existence of the firm's S70 and V70 models?

The days when you could legitimately call a Volvo boxy' or square' are long gone. Actually, the first signs of Volvo's attraction to curved surfaces came with the launch of its sporty 480 Coupe in 1989. However, Volvo enthusiasts after a svelte shape with true four-door practicality would have to wait seven years for the introduction of the S70/V70 model line-up.

And in keeping with the Swedish firm's tradition for producing workaholic estates, I'll concentrate on the V70 - that's V' for versatile, apparently.

That conscious shift by Volvo to add some much needed sparkle to its cars is the reason why you should take the V70 seriously. Yes you can squeeze the contents of a country manor through its back door, but of equal importance is the car's ability to track straight and true when you feel like behaving badly.

For the price of a new and not-so- exciting compact family estate, you could have the king of all load-luggers on your drive. Although prices remain sensible thanks to the car's enduring appeal, silly money demands are long gone.

Once the Volvo has reached maturity, the dreaded depreciation only manages to chip away at its residual value. Although this still makes a V70 a fraction more expensive than the usual fleet fodder, the upside is a car that won't leave you in the financial mire when you come to sell it on - unlike Citroen's XM, which keeps shedding value faster than the Millennium Dome.

Engine choice is not especially crucial when picking a V70 as there are no duds in Volvo's power plant line-up. There's a nice diesel if economy is your thing, but for all-round performance the smooth 170bhp 2.5-litre petrol motor is both refined and potent.

Entry-level cars aren't exactly barren wastelands but, with prices at their current level, the middle order SE are still worth the extra outlay. With electric everything, a decent stereo, ABS and twin front airbags, most bases are covered. Add the SE's bonus kit, which includes alloys, front fog lamps, air con and a trip computer, and the temptation to purchase a brand new Mondeo suddenly becomes a false economy.

Also, don't be confused by the different badges on post-1998 cars as the creature comfort tally remains pleasingly high. Welcome additions include climate control over the standard air con and fancy alloy wheels on the rebadged XT.

If you've been waiting for scare stories surrounding poor reliability and fall-apart trim then you'll have been wasting your time. Bomb-proof, bullet-proof and anything else-proof, V70s are reliable and durable - but only if you treat them right.

When seeking a luxurious load-lugger it's hard to fault Volvo's V70. It's cheaper than the German competition, packs a greater residual punch than the mass market opposition and is a sprightly performer when you're in the mood for fun, not family duties.

Verdict: Spacious V70 isn't short of creature comforts.

What to pay...

1996 P £5,815...

1997 P/R £6,350...

1998 R/S £7,165...

1999 T £8,440...

All values relate to showroom prices for cars in A1 condition.