Let's say you're looking to spend between $40,000 and $60,000 on a vehicle that can comfortably and safely get you, your family and your stuff around, 365 days a year. Something reasonably fun to drive and upper-scale is in order, and you don't tow a heavy boat-so there's no need to feed a thirsty SUV.

The mental flowchart above has pointed you in the direction of a premium crossover wagon- a genre that Sweden's Volvo is largely responsible for putting on the map.

The end result looks like a family wagon that's dressed up to go for a hike.

The Swedish Warrior
You'd be right if you think their XC70 resembles a beefed-up V70 wagon. Dark cladding is applied over the lower parts of the body, aggressive tires are mounted, the suspension is lifted, and armored-looking plastic appliqués are installed around the fog-lamps, grille and bumper reflectors. The end result looks like a family wagon that's dressed up to go for a hike.

On the Trails- AWD with Instant Traction
XC70 isn't intended to be an off-road monster so much as simply another option for the more adventurous wagon buyer. The intelligent all wheel drive system automatically split up engine power between the axles as it sees fit for the situation and delivers fuss-free traction on almost any surface. When the going gets rough, it moves around like a Swedish mountain goat.

Heavy but well-weighted steering allows drivers to place the wheels easily where they need to be, and XC70 proved impressive on a day trip some 30 kilometres down a washed-out logging road over everything from rocks to mud to deep water. Traction control can be disabled for spinning-a-plenty should you wind up stuck. If that doesn't work, there's a simple eye-hook that screws into the bumper to accept a tow-rope for rescue duty.

It's got more off-road ability than most owners will need- and since it doesn't need the ground-clearance of an overpass, it's not a plodding, clumsy behemoth on normal roads either.

On the road
Motivation comes from a silky 3.2 litre, 235 horsepower inline six cylinder that fires up with the press of a button and cranks a six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is adequate, and engine sound is always present in the form of a dull howl that escalates into a lovely yelp just before redline. The transmission shifts smoothly, matching the overall gentleness of the engine.

Motivation comes from a silky 3.2-litre, 235 horsepower inline six cylinder.