The ride is much the same bag. It's heavy and largely quiet- albeit for some suspension noise on rougher surfaces. Courtesy of Volvo's Four-C chassis system, drivers can select a 'sport' setting for responsive ride, a 'comfort' setting for driving grandma to church, and an intelligent 'advanced' setting for when the kids are dropped off and a good honk through the backroads is desired. If it's wrong to love the way a jacked-up family wagon handles, then I'm in a lot of trouble.

The Four-C gizmo isn't a must-have feature, but it's easy to appreciate what it brings to a vehicle that's intended for comfort and sportiness on virtually any terrain.

Volvo XC70 is intended for comfort and sportiness on virtually any terrain.

Safety in excess
Hopefully radar waves aren't bad for you- as the XC70 emits more of them than NORAD. A Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) warns drivers with an indicator near the side mirrors if another vehicle may be hiding in the blind spot. Front and rear parking radar works to the same goal of avoiding paint-trading in tight quarters, and the cruise control automatically brakes as the XC approaches another car on the highway. The same radar sensor that operates this system can also alert drivers audibly and visually if they're about to hit something because they aren't paying attention.

There's also a hill-descent control switch for scaling slowly down slippery grades, and a heart-beat monitor for the two-way vehicle remote. The latter function detects a human heartbeat and can warn drivers that someone's inside the car waiting for them, as long as they're still alive. It's hard to believe this sort of feature even exists, but it really does work.

Though it's absolutely jammed full of safety features, you may happily give up a few warning beepers for a 6-CD changer or navigation system.

A family-friendly beauty
XC70 presents one of the most beautiful and inviting interiors you'll probably ever visit in a wagon. The seats are almost too comfortable, the color scheme and metallic accenting look fantastic, and the entire dash and console is sculpted and assembled with a real eye for quality and splendor. The entire package works towards an environment that begs you to relax and enjoy the ride- even with deep water, mud, turf and snow passing inches beneath.

Be sure to check one out when ultimate levels of safety, luxury and capability are desired in a family-friendly wagon.

XC70 presents one of the most beautiful and inviting interiors you'll probably ever visit in a wagon.

Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard