Replacing a Volvo V70 P3.

[Skyedriver]

I'll admit I've never liked this car preferring the various 940 models I've had previously but my wife loves it so I'm a bit stuck.
It's a diesel, quick (enough) £35 VED, 50mpg, spacious (but not as spacious as a 940), comfortable, quiet, light enough steering etc etc etc .
But still I hate it and more so today after I'm struggling to do what should be an easy job on it. Don't like the poor turning circle, the electric handbrake, the rear hatch that doesn't lift high enough (or drops on your head!), the worry about EGR & DPF problems on short runs (much of ours are 20 mile round trips). I could moan on all night.

Replacement option ideas please
Passat? slightly shorter bigger payload, (even) wider than the V70.
Not a Merc fan
Petrol maybe, better on shorter journeys although diesel are more torquey and petrol can have a higher VED.
More modern Volvo XC??
Anything in the Ford range?
Leather seats a bonus as she puts the dogs on the back seat rather than in the rear of the estate where they should go! Leather easier to clean, they can get a bit sick in the very back.

If you've had a V70 and moved on what did you move on to?
Thanks