Road test: F

OR anyone thinking that SUVs have taken over the motoring world and the future of the once-popular estate cars was dead and buried, think on because Volvo has something to say about that with the launch of its second generation V60.

It’s a premium mid-sized estate car that offers a perfect alternative to buyers in a SUV-saturated market. Boasting a striking Scandinavian design, a wealth of on-board technology, competitive pricing and all the safety innovations you could imagine, the V60 truly is a breath of fresh air.

In fairness, Volvo is on a bit of a roll at the moment with 21 awards so far in 2018, including European Car of the Year for the XC40 and World Car of the Year for the XC60. So, the latest arrival has quite a lot to live up to and it does just that.

Priced from £31,810 to £40,600, the V60 is available with three initial trim levels called Momentum, R-Design and Inscription – each of which has a higher specced Pro version.

There’s also a choice between two diesel and one petrol engine - all 2.0litre - with further additions such as a hybrid powertrain joining the line-up later on.

Whereas estate cars in bygone days looked like giant boxes on wheels with load-lugging capabilities but very little else to offer, the V60 covers all bases.

It is a very practical option with a boot capacity ranging from 529 litres to 1,441 litres with the 60:40 splitfolding rear seats dropped flat.

In addition, it looks appealing and stylish in its design with sleek streamlining, distinctive lights with the Volvo Thor-hammer LED daytime running lights, neat alloys, a piano black grille with chrome surround, tinted windows, a poweroperated tailgate and the option of a panoramic sunroof.

Move inside and the V60 is typically Scandinavian and minimalist in its layout, but there is plenty of classy kit to be explored.

The portrait nine-inch Sensus touchscreen is like a computer tablet and there is a 12.3-inch active digital driver’s information display that can be configured according to taste.

Other creature comforts include a Harman Kardon sound system that can be upgraded to a premium Bowers and Wilkins set-up with 15 speakers, all the connectivity systems