Volvo S60 T6 (2011)

The revision has endowed the S60 with impressive dynamics by way of handling, steering and body control. And all-wheel-drive provides the grip levels to match any weather or road condition.

Firm ride quality is a trade off with most sporty drives, and the S60 is no exception, particularly at low speeds (i.e., around town).

The 3.0-litre turbocharged six is eager to please, with low-down grunt and mid-range performance tappable through a smooth-changing six-speed auto. And it needs the oomph, hauling a not insubstantial 1888 kg.

The interior is functional and well-appointed, but the S60 is more convincing as a four seater, rather than five. The powered front seats provide driver and passenger with plenty of adjustment, but don’t really live up to the sporty theme - more lateral support would be nice for when the twisty bits come up.

This is a car that wants for nothing safety wise. Particularly worth a mention is City Safe (fitted as standard), which uses a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a low-speed tail-end collision is likely. Depending on the speed, the Volvo's computer system will either prepare the car to brake, or automatically apply the brakes to avoid, or mitigate, a rear-ender.