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Bruce Stephen has owned and driven racy Chevrolet Corvettes and high-powered Porsches, but it's a turbocharged Volvo V70 station wagon that has won his heart.

Such is the life of a forty-something family man with a sports-minded 11-year-old son, a professional wife and a huge chocolate-coloured Labrador retriever. The wagon just makes sense.

The former food and beverage executive at Toronto's Park Hyatt Hotel is now squeezing in dad and husband duties while living the life of a food and wine critic and part-time management consultant. When he went looking for a new car, he wanted something stylish and quick, very safe and with room to carry the loads of stuff a family totes around.

The safety aspect was critical, in light of a nasty accident wife Joanne survived on a drive to the ski resort of Whistler, B.C., many years ago.

"I picked a Volvo first for their safety record," Stephen says. "Jo slid off the Sea-to-Sky highway 17 years ago in a Volvo. She hit black ice going 25 km/h and went over a 100-foot cliff, flipped over several times and landed upside down on a boulder.

"The reinforced area around the driver's side saved her life. The roof on the passenger side was touching the seat The Jaws of Life cut her out. She basically walked away."

And Stephen's V70 is a real car, not a pretend sport-utility vehicle with a car-like driving feel -- the kind of vehicle auto makers are calling "crossovers" or "sport wagons." It's not a minivan, either. Loads of buyers associate minivans with a kind of dull suburban-ness.

Station wagons are wonderfully functional haulers for the family, as Stephen attests. But many auto makers are eschewing the station wagon -- searching for a magic balance between sexy looks and high function they think can be found in crossovers or sport wagons.

"We're desperately trying to reinvent the station wagon," says Jeffrey Hands, head of design strategy for the BMW Group. "It still has such a negative image connotation, and yet it's such a practical design. As long as Leave it to Beaver reruns are on TV, there is still such a negative connotation to a station-wagon mom."

Is there, really? Stephen says his Volvo is very slick to look at. It is the antithesis of a "mom-mobile.

"With this car, until you look in the rear-view mirror, you don't feel like you're in a station wagon -- great power, good handling," he says.

Of course, the V70 is hardly alone in today's marketplace. Not every auto maker has abandoned the traditional station wagon. On the contrary, many have completely embraced this sort of vehicle even as they have pushed into also offering sport wagons and crossovers.

Take BMW. While the Bavarian auto maker has the X3 and X5 SUVs, it also offers the 5-series Touring wagon. It's a car BMW Canada spokesperson Kevin Marcotte calls "a wagon that drives like a sedan."

The BMW 530xi wagon isn't cheap, however. At $72,400, it is actually pretty pricey, though this 5-series does come standard with BMW's X-drive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and loads of luxury doodads. BMW does not offer a wagon version of its 2006 3-series -- yet. But one is planned and it will come both in rear- and AWD. In the meantime, there are still some 2005 BMW wagons out there.

As for the V70, the front-drive base model starts at $39,120, with the hot-shoeing R model going for $71,620. Looks like a pattern, right? You might think only upper-end car makers sell station wagons. If you thought so, you'd be wrong.

True, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, BMW, Volvo, Audi and Saab have all staked out large chunks of upscale wagon territory. Still, less pricey station wagons are also sold by Subaru, Dodge, Ford, Mazda and Volkswagen -- the latter also playing in the near-luxury segment with really loaded Passats.

And if you throw in the odd wannabe wagons like the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx, there really is a lot from which to choose.

Here's a look at my favourite models, with honourable mentions included.

1. 2005 Audi A4 Avant

Price range: $42,200-$52,230

The big picture: Audi restyled and re-engineered its A4 lineup for the model year, so this is a very up-to-date wagon.

The A4 may be at the low end of the price scale for Audi, but don't be fooled. This is a delightful wagon, if a bit smallish on the cargo space side of things. Note that the A4 is the only Audi to earn a "recommended" rating from widely followed Consumer Reports magazine. All versions come standard with Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD).

On the road: A treat to drive. This is a lively, responsive wagon that zips through traffic with loads of energy and enthusiasm. The sport suspension is firm but not harsh. The road manners belie the fact this is a wagon.

Power: The 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder is rated at 200 horsepower, the 3.2-litre turbocharged V-6 at 255 hp. Premium fuel is recommended, though regular is okay but you lose a bit of power. Both the six- and the four-cylinder engines use a sophisticated type of fuel injection that Audi calls FSI. The auto maker says it makes more power and uses less fuel.

The four-banger comes with a six-speed manual that is very slick; the V-6 has a smooth-shifting auto box with a sport setting that holds the lower gears longer before up-shifting. There is a manual-shift mode, too. Shifts are smooth and quick in normal setting, but quite fierce in sport.

Styling: Handsome. This car has presence and very nice proportions. Just the right blend of curves and creases. Not everyone will like the horse-collar grille, but I do.

Size/packaging: It's smallish for a wagon, comparable to the Jaguar X-Type Estate. Or if you like, the A4 is just little larger than a Honda Civic outside, smaller inside. Not much room in the back seat. The interior design is tasteful and businesslike. The joystick control system called MMI (Multi Media Interface) is relatively easy to use. Seats are very comfy. The radio is a little complicated to use, though.

Safety: The range of air bags includes front-seat side-impact air bags and front- and back-seat head-curtain bags. There is also anti-lock braking and anti-skid control. The U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently gave the A4 sedan a rare "double best pick" for crashworthiness in both front and side impacts, so in crashes the car performed exceptionally well at keeping passengers safe from harm.

Bottom line: Not plush but definitely upscale. The A4 Avant is wonderful to drive, but is small. If you're not trim and fit, you might feel squeezed in this car.

2. 2006 BMW 5-Series

Price range: $72,400

The big picture: The new 530i AWD wagon projects a powerful presence and with the X-Drive AWD system it is ready to handle any type of inclement weather.

On the road: Solid and unsurprising road manners.

Power: A 255-hp inline six-cylinder engine delivers the necessary power to keep this largish wagon moving briskly in traffic and on the open highway. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, a six-speed automatic optional.

Styling: Unapologetically BMW.

Size/packaging: Big enough for five adults and their ski gear, if you put the skis themselves on the roof rack.

Safety: A "best pick" rating for frontal crashworthiness from the IIHS is the result of a solid safety structure and the usual gizmos -- air bags, anti-lock braking and stability control.

Bottom line: A larger wagon for people who like their drive to the ski cabin.

3. 2005 Dodge Magnum

Price range: $27,995-$40,260

The big picture: The available Hemi V-8 is a major hook for this wagon, which is mechanically similar to the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. This bold, muscular-looking wagon has loads of room for passengers in the front and back rows, but there is no third-row seat available. Decent room for cargo, though. Mechanical bits and pieces loosely based on the Mercedes-Benz E-class.

On the road: Feels solid and strong. Magnums with all-wheel drive get 38 per cent of power sent to the front wheels under all conditions. Traction control apportions power side to side. Steering is tight, braking excellent. Rear visibility is compromised by high window sills and short windows. There is a bit of suspension rumble on uneven surfaces.

Power: A 2.7-litre V-6 rated at 190 hp is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The SXT has a 3.5-litre V-6 rated at 250 hp that also gets a four-speed auto box, while the Hemi V-8 does 340 hp.

The Hemi is teamed with an AutoStick five-speed automatic with manual shift mode. The Hemi is terrific and Dodge officials claim the MDS (multiple displacement system) improves fuel economy by 20 per cent by shutting down four of eight cylinders under light loads.

Styling: A knockout.

Size/packaging: Loads of passenger room at every seating position and a big cargo hold at the rear. Big rear tailgate makes loading easy. In the cabin, big, round knobs for the stereo can be worked with winter gloves on.

The cabin is not loaded up with phony plastic wood trim, and all the bits and pieces look upscale, though not quite rich. A Spartan feel reflects the German influence at parent DaimlerChrysler.

Safety: Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard on even the base model, while an anti-skid system comes on the pricier version. The Magnum's close cousin, the Chrysler 300, is a "best pick" from the IIHS for front crashworthiness.

Bottom line: An in-your-face wagon with power and practicality.

4. 2005 Ford Focus

Price range: $19,565-$22,605

The big picture: The Focus wagon is practical, affordable and reasonably entertaining from behind the wheel. Focus quality woes seem be behind this economy car.

On the road: Steering is tight and responsive, and it is easy to whip around slowpoke drivers in this small but light wagon. A firm ride also does a fair job of soaking up small bumps, and at highway speeds things are pretty quiet for such an affordable wagon.

Power: The 2.0-litre four-cylinder (136 hp) has enough giddy-up to have you at highway speeds with reasonable ease and the four-speed automatic transmission shifts unobtrusively. A five-speed manual is the base tranny.

Styling: Fairly subdued, but not unattractive.

Size/packaging: It would help if the front seats had a little more support and padding. However, all the important controls are conveniently located, except for the stuff loaded up on the multifunction stalk on the left-hand side of the steering wheel. More storage pockets and a better grade of cabin materials would be welcome. There is room for four adults, though, and the cargo hold is largish.

Safety: Anti-lock braking is standard on the pricier version. IIHS gives the Focus a "good" rating for frontal impacts but, even with side air bags, the side-impact rating is "poor."

Bottom line: A handy and affordable wagon.

5. 2005 Mazda6

Price range: $26,995-$31,495

The big picture: A nicely sized wagon with a solid chassis, fairly roomy cabin and sharp styling.

On the road: This is a front-drive car for people who drive energetically. It feels like a European sport sedan -- it plants solidly at highway speeds and is light and nimble on back roads. Quicker and lighter than a comparably priced Dodge Magnum.

Power: The 220-horsepower V-6 engine is strong but not over the top, though a bit buzzy when pushed hard. The five-speed transmission shifts easily.

Styling: A sleek, wedge-shaped exterior, with gently flared fenders is very nice to look at. The front end almost looks angry.

Size/packaging: A clean-looking interior with easy-to-adjust seats that support thighs and back. The dashboard and console have a lot of brushed-metal-coloured plastic trim. Not terribly rich-looking. The back seats are comfortable for adults and at the very rear a big hatch opens to a large cargo area.

Safety: A "best pick" by IIHS for frontal crashworthiness, but a "poor" rating for side impacts.

Bottom line: A lot of fun to drive, very stylish, but some materials not quite rich enough and the side impact score is a concern.

6. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E320-E500

Price: $78,150-$92,150

The big picture: This is a good-sized wagon, but surprisingly handy in the city and very comfy on long highway hauls. Loads of safety features and an upscale price.

On the road: The supple suspension handles all sorts of road conditions beautifully. Top-notch ride quality in a very quiet wagon. Easy to steer and manoeuvre for a big, heavy car with full-time AWD.

Power: The 3.2-litre V-6 (215 hp) is responsive and is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission. The 302-hp 5.0-litre V-8 is hugely more powerful and also comes only with the smooth five-speed.

Styling: Gorgeous. The curvy hood and elliptical headlights are a true luxury design.

Size/packaging: The cabin is upscale, with available features like multicontour seats that use adjustable air pressure to custom tailor the seat comfort. The audio/climate controls are a bit confusing.

Safety: World-class safety features -- side air bags for front and rear passengers, side curtains and electronic stability program. IIHS has it as a "best pick" for frontal crashworthiness.

Bottom line: Pretty ritzy wagon.

7. 2005 Subaru Legacy/Outback

Price range: $28,995-$44,995

The big picture: The new, redesigned 2005 Subaru Legacy has a sleeker look, racier trappings and up to 50-per-cent more horsepower than was available in 2004. Yes, there is even a Legacy GT wagon capable of hitting 100 km/h in less than six seconds.

On the road: The Legacy is a very poised car in no small measure because of the way the horizontally opposed (boxer) engines sit deep in the chassis to produce a lower centre of gravity and improved handling. Over straight roads the Legacy is beautifully comfortable, but in twisty stretches the car shines with its quick, predictable responses.

Power: Both engines are 2.5 litres in displacement. The naturally aspirated one offers 168 hp, the turbocharged 250 hp. For the record, the five-speed manual is geared to avoid any noticeable power drop off when up-shifting. That is smart. In fact, the manual gearbox moves smoothly through the gears. The automatic transmission in the turbo cars comes with manual-shift buttons on the steering wheel.

Styling: An uncluttered, handsome design, one with a fairly aerodynamic shape for a wagon. A key design element: headlights that wrap around the sides of the car like racy sunglasses. In total, the refinements add up to a lean, streamlined appearance topped off with sports-car-style wheels.

Size/packaging: The cabin is comfortable and well-thought-out. The wagon's rear seat is a 60/40 split with a new one-stage seat back that allows for a flat load floor without the need to lift the rear seat cushion forward. To let the sunshine in, there is a large, two-piece sunroof extending into the rear passenger area. This feature alone makes the back seat area feel big and airy. The best equipped Legacy cars have comfortable, supportive leather seats with easy-to-operate controls.

Safety: The '05 Legacy, like the '05 Forester and '05 Impreza, has earned a "best pick" rating, the highest possible based on a 64 km/h offset barrier test.

Bottom line: In remaking the Legacy for '05, Subaru injected a big dose of personality without compromising the core values of safety and reliability.

8. 2005 Volvo V70/XC70

Price range: $39,120-$61,620

The big picture: The XC70 rides on the P2 chassis also shared with the S80, V60, V70 and XC90. Parent Ford, by the way, has also adapted the P2 platform for its Freestyle utility and Five Hundred sedan. The XC70 and V70 wagons moved to the P2 in 2001. The XC70 received some recent chassis improvements and certain cosmetic updates.

On the road: This is a very good wagon lineup. At higher speeds, the Volvo wagons feel safe and secure and they handle city driving quite nicely, too.

Power: All engines are in-line five cylinders ranging from 168 hp for the base non-turbo engine, to 208 hp for one 2.5-litre turbocharged version, to 300 hp for another 2.5-litre, with a 257-hp 2.4-litre turbo in the middle. Six- and five-speed manual transmissions are available, as is a five-speed automatic.

Styling: Unapologetically wagons, these Volvos look upscale without being showy.

Size/packaging: Seats are excellent, passenger room is good front and back. The cargo area at the rear is generous.

Safety: In U.S. government crash tests, the V70 earned the highest possible five-star rating for front and side impacts.

Bottom line: A very good wagon, though Volvo is planning a complete update in the next year.

jcato@globeandmail.ca

Other contenders

2006 Audi A6 Avant

Price: $66,710

2005 BMW 3-Series

Price range: $41,400-$44,400

2005 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Price range: $26,495-$31,805

2005 Jaguar X-Type Estate

Price range: $43,195-$47,995

2005 Lexus IS300

Price: $44,640

2005 Mercedes-Benz C240

Price range: $44,610-$52,350

2005 Saab 9-2X

Price range: $28,950-$37,735

Saab 9-5 Price range: $41,000-$55,500

2005 Subaru Impreza

Price range: $22,995-$35,495

2005 Volkswagen Passat

Price range: $31,660-$45,650

2005 Volvo V50

Price range: $32,620-$41,120