IF you want a bigger car but would like to stand out from the crowd of Mercedes and BMWs that seem to be taking over the world, try the Volvo S80.

Like all such big executive cars it loses a huge amount of value a few years down the road and becomes very affordable.

It's a top quality large saloon with svelte good looks, excellent equipment and very good performance, but costs £5,000 less than competitors after four or five years.

Petrol engines range from 2.0 to 2.9-litre or a there is an excellent 2.4-litre five cylinder turbo diesel.

They all come with a slick changing five or six-speed manual, or a five or six-speed automatic, plus a wide range of standard equipment.

The smallest 2.0-litre turbo petrol or a turbo diesel would be my choice for economy and performance but don't buy without service history.

They are lovely to drive and to ride in and the turbos have excellent power. Mid-range acceleration for overtaking is excellent.

The very good ride is enhanced by leather upholstery, which comes as standard in some higher specs, and the standard kit is excellent.

There is a little bump-thump from the suspension over bigger potholes, but wind and road noise are almost non-existent.