THE quintessential estate is going upmarket. For more than 20 years, the large Volvo estate has been considered the benchmark for its segment in Europe.

On the outside, there was boxy Swedish styling while on the inside, the unrivalled cargo capacity so beloved of both soccer moms and those with bulky weekend pursuits.

But now, the all-new Volvo V70 has loftier aspirations. It has shed its utilitarian image and acquired more premium overtones. As this third-generation V70 is based on the new S80, it has also acquired the latter's overall styling. The interior, for example, has the same design elements such as the floating stack centre console as well as more efficient use of space.

And because the new V70 is also longer and wider than its predecessor, with a lengthened wheelbase, its cabin now feels more spacious.

The V70 has improved driving dynamics as it shares the S80's platform. The handling is sharper and the steering feel can be varied, thanks to the adjustable power steering. The speed-dependent power steering, which is standard on the V70 and S80, offers three levels of servo assistance.

Depending on whether you want to manoeuvre more easily around the supermarket parking lot or you prefer to imagine yourself as a touring car champion, you can set the system to have more servo assistance or optimum road feedback.

The new car's suspension is slightly more taut for better roadholding but because this is a Volvo estate, it is still heavily biased towards comfort.

In fact, the new V70 hasn't forgotten exactly who its buyers are. The seats are large and soft, and the controls legible and easy to use. Overall, this new model has more premium touches than the previous car. The dashboard, for example, uses higher-grade materials, and there is more chrome all over the car.

The light-pressure turbo engine is carried over from the previous V70 but it is still a gem. Its good torque combined with a responsive automatic gearbox rarely make the front-wheel-driven V70 feel lethargic.

As a stylishly understated model, the latest Volvo V70 estate has got even better. It may not be a driver's car but it is certainly a car that will grow on most drivers.

Volvo V70 2.5T
Engine: 2,521cc inline-5
Gearbox: 6-speed Geartronic transmission
Max power: 200 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Max torque: 300 Nm @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
0-100 kmh: 8.5 secs
Top speed: 210 kmh
Price: $168,000 (with COE)
Distributor : SM Motors, tel 6473-1488