The estate version of Volvo’s S60, the V60 marks the further evolution of the brand’s move towards creating sleek, design focused models.

UK dealers are expected to sell 5,000 in 2012.

The model mix will be heavily weighted towards the diesel, which takes 86% of the split.

There are four trims on offer, ES, SE, SE Lux and R-Design. The SE trim will be the biggest seller overall, but a quarter of all sales will go to the sporty R-Design trim.

Volvos have always been known for their safety and the V60 continues the brand’s pioneering spirit. It is the world’s first estate to offer pedestrian detection with full auto brake, which was first introduced on the S60.

A digital camera and radar scan the road ahead.

If they detect a pedestrian and the driver fails to respond, the car will brake on its own. Other class-leading safety technologies include City Safety - which avoids low speed impacts up to 19mph, Driver Alert Control (DAC) to prompt tired or distracted drivers and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

In addition, Lane Departure Warning alerts drivers if the vehicle runs across the lane markers without the indicator being used, active bi-xenon lights follow the bends in the road and there are numerous secondary safety features, including seat-mounted side airbags and Volvo’s patented whiplash protection system (WHIPS). 

But it’s not all about safety. This is a stylish product with sleek lines and a low roof-line. It’s not a sports car, but the handling is sharp and there’s a range of excellent engines on offer, particularly the powerful T5 petrol and D5 diesel engines which offer great acceleration.

The V60 has also got a satisfyingly smooth gearbox.

Volvo has designed the V60 with the driver in mind, rather than the loading capacity, so it’s not meant to carry big loads.

There’s 430 litres to the window line, with rear seats up, and 557 litres when loaded to the roof. When rear seats are folded, capacity jumps to 1,241 litres.