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Volvo has undergone a styling revolution over the past decade but it still has an image problem.

Its cars are not perceived to be as sexy as a BMW, as upmarket as a Mercedes-Benz or as techno-cool as an Audi. Instead the image of a Volvo is something, “boxy and boring, that people buy with their heads, never with their hearts”.

That harsh assessment comes from a surprising source: Volvo UK managing director Stuart Kerr, the softly-spoken but straight-talking South African who has been in charge at the company’s Marlow headquarters since October.

Previously responsible for Volvo’s operations in the southern hemisphere, Middle East and Eastern Europe, Kerr says he has been dismayed to discover how stodgy Volvo’s brand image is in the UK.

Kerr is consequently now on a crusade to change that. Stand by for a drive that will aim to make Volvos hipper, thanks to more humourous advertising and a stronger emphasis on sporting performance.

Volvo has just brought out revised versions of its two best-selling models, the S40 saloon and V50 estate car.

Updates include detail styling changes inside and out, and from this autumn there will also be a V50 with the D5 turbodiesel engine and manual transmission, delivering 295lb-ft of torque. The price will be around £21,045.

Better still, all-new models of the V70 and XC70 are making their debuts now.

Available to order immediately, the V70 and XC70 are due in showrooms by September for October delivery.

Volvo has always had a strong reputation for its estate cars and that lives on handsomely in the V70 and XC70. Both cars are well-equipped, capable and have been upgraded to improve their looks and beef up their appeal.

Useful improvements include a power tailgate, sliding load floor and an under-boot compartment that automatically locks when the tailgate shuts.

Standard on both models are load-adaptive rear lights, folding steel load-protection grille, 12V power outlet in the cargo area and a grocery bag holder.

The XC70 has all-wheel drive and hill descent control and looks like a V70 on steroids as it comes with a butch-looking bodykit that includes skidplates and mouldings.

Five engines are offered in the V70: three petrol (from 2.5 to 3.0 litres) and two diesels (both 2.4-litre offering 163 or 185bhp). The XC70 engine choice is D5 diesel or 3.2 petrol. Transmissions are six-speed manual or Geartronic automatic.

As you’d expect of any Volvo, a huge amount of thought has gone into the safety aspects of both cars.

They include front crumple zones made from four different strengths of steel; multiple two-stage airbags; anti-whiplash features; the BLIS blind- spot alert system; collision warning; adaptive cruise control; stability control; Brake Assist and swivelling bi-Xenon headlights.

Behind the wheel

There is plenty of room to stretch out in these Volvos and even with entry-level SE trim the cabins have a quality feel.

Move up the scale and the leather-faced seats and brushed aluminium or natural finish wood trims give a classy, cool Scandinavian ambience.

Safety is deep-rooted in the DNA of both these cars and you feel it in the assured solidity of their drive.

That said, if you’re looking for driver-focused excitement it’s not top of the priority list here. The XC70 is especially disappointing, thanks to its high centre of gravity and body roll.

For the first time, you can have a V70 with a six-cylinder engine, the 3.0-litre turbocharged T6, and this is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch for performance. But the D5 diesel is no slouch and is the best all-rounder, given its fuel economy and CO2 emission benefits.

An interesting feature of the XC70 is its Four-C active suspension, with a choice of three settings to vary the ride. None of them is perfect for all conditions, but they do give a bit of variety.

Verdict

The big-booted Volvos now look smoother and are well equipped with some great new standard kit.

They’re also worth a look if you need lots of room in a classy suit of clothes. These are not exceptional “drivers’ cars” but they feel safe, competent, comfortable and civilised.

Fact file

Model:		V70 T6 AWD Geartronic		XC70 D5 SE
Max power (bhp/rpm):		285/5,600		185/4000rpm
Max torque (lb-ft/rpm):		295/1,500		295/2,000
Max speed (mph)		152		130
0-62mph (secs)		6.7		8.8
Fuel consumption (mpg)		25.0		38.7
CO2 emissions (g/km)		270		193
On sale:		now		now
Price (OTR):		£34,430		£31,035