If ever there were an automotive equivalent of a comfy pair of house slippers, it's Volvo's station wagons.

Whether you get the XC70 all-wheel-drive version or the front-wheel-drive V70, they are almost impossibly comfortable wagons that make you feel as though you've slipped into your favorite living room lounge chair.

Yet, Volvo wagons are almost relentlessly contemporary and elegant. The simple, sleek lines are the equivalent of automotive architecture, loved because of the very purity of line that they represent.

Our test model was the 2009 Volvo XC70 wagon, nicknamed the Cross Country. This car is about as close as you get to a station wagon SUV hybrid. They are quite capable on the off-road course, while still being designed clearly as a station wagon, not an SUV. Prices start at $37,250, but with options, the cost climbs quickly, so beware.

Despite its relatively new design, have no fear about the 2009 XC70. All of the qualities that were part and parcel of these popular Volvo wagons for years are still very much in evidence, including the famous safety features.

Though the XC70 and V70 were completely new for 2008, they didn't stray much from previous Volvo wagon designs, relying on styling cues of the past-- a square-shouldered profile, a Swedish spareness and elegant, timeless styling cues.

The main difference is that the rear glass extends further down than the side windows for improved visibility.

The XC70 and the V70 cars share a 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 236 pound/feet of torque, which is standard. Mated to the engine is a six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission that enables the driver to shift manually when desired.

But the big news for 2009 is a new T6 version of the XC70 that includes a powerful new 281- horsepower, 3.0-liter in-line six that feels much faster than the standard model. I highly recommend it.

The XC70 comes standard with all-wheel drive to ensure the best possible road grip in all situations. The new electronic Hill Descent Control uses the vehicle's brakes and engine torque to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes.

Standard safety equipment includes stability control, front side airbags and full length side curtain airbags, a whiplash protection system, dynamic stability and traction control, tire pressure monitoring system and enhanced impact protection for pedestrians and cyclists.

One of the most handy and useful features is a height-adjustable integrated child booster cushion.

Options available for the first time on the XC90 and XC70 include adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support and a blind spot information system.

Inside you'll find supportive seats and ergonomically designed instrument panel. The rear seat splits 40/20/40 offering the flexibility of seating for three or two passengers separated by a wide armrest. Backrests can be folded separately to create a larger load compartment with an entirely flat floor.

The main problem that consumers seem to have with these cars is the mediocre to poor fuel economy at 15 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway.

Still, if I had the money, I would have a hard time turning down a Volvo station wagon.