IT IS ironic that Volvo’s bestseller of a decade ago – the V70 – has been relegated to a bit-player in 2009, just when the all-new third-generation model is probably the Swedish car industry’s most convincing alternative to a Mercedes, Audi or BMW. In T6 AWD guise, the full-sized Volvo estate builds on its predecessors’ widely acknowledged safety, comfort, security and packaging attributes by injecting a world-class turbocharged petrol engine of exceptional performance, palpably improved driving dynamics and pointy-end levels of technology. Seen in this light against the Volvo’s mostly German opposition, the V70’s innate enjoyment and character – as well as undeniable value for money – make it a compelling luxury car proposition.