At a time when every passing week seems to bring about the launch of another SUV, it’s refreshing when a brand new saloon arrives on the scene.

While the S60 may be a traditional four-door machine in the compact executive class, Volvo has brought the model in line with modern thinking by offering no diesel engines in the line-up.

Instead, the US-built third-generation S60 – sister to the Volvo V60 estate – is only available in petrol and hybrid form.

For a company with a great reputation for building cars with potent yet economical diesel engines, dumping the diesel option seems a significant step, signalling the company’s commitment to electrification and a long-term future beyond the traditional combustion engine.

This week, the T&A got behind the wheel of the T5 R Design variant, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit that produces 250hp.

And it’s fair to say it’s an engine with many plus points, but some drawbacks.

On the up side, it’s a punchy unit that offers sprightly performance, achieving the sprint from 0 to 62mph in a brisk 6.5 seconds.

It’s a task it performs with the minimum of fuss, as the vehicle’s refinement contains engine, wind and tyre noise, making the S60’s swift acceleration seem effortless.

However, the four-cylinder engine doesn’t sound especially exciting, while the fuel economy figure – I achieved around 30mpg on average – might make long distance drivers yearn for a frugal diesel.

When cornering swiftly, the S60 feels well planted on the road, with the steering feeling accurate and weighty enough to give the driver enough feedback.

With its sporty credentials, the set-up of the car is not quite so comfort-orientated as some Volvos, but rise quality still feels composed,

In terms of looks, the S60 cuts an elegant and sleek figure, typified by classy and clean lines.

The grille shares the family look with the many all-new cars launched by Volvo in the last five years.

There are elements in the design of the larger S90 saloon, but with much shorter overhangs, a lipped boot lid and a racy standard body kit.

More dynamic in appearance than its predecessor, it’s a car that overcomes some of the criticisms of previous Volvo executive vehicles, namely that the emphasis has been on sense and substance at the expense of style and sportiness.

Indeed, its sharp styling that sets it apart, both inside and out.

Under the skin of the S60 sits the same ‘Scalable Product Architecture’ (SPA) platform that we’ve see across the brand’s other recent mid and large-size models.

The interior is well laid-out with excellent build quality. Volvo says it applies the same principles that you would when designing a living room, namely the use of high-quality materials, attention to detail and thoughtful use of space.

The result is a typically Swedish interior - simple yet elegant.

There’s no too much to distinguish the S60’s interior from theV60, and anyone familiar with the brand will recognise elements from other vehicles in the range - and that’s no bad thing as Volvo’s reputation for superb interiors has been growing.

The materials used in the cabin are close to best in class, with the soft-touch dashboard materials being especially attractive.

The easy-to-use 9.3-inch touchscreen is a bit different from what you’ll find in many other vehicles as it’s laid out in portrait style.

Meanwhile, the front seats are very supportive and provide good levels of adjustment.

A curved roofline that helps to give the S60 its sleek look means headroom in the back isn’t quite so generous, but rear seat legroom is a match for most class rivals.

In conclusion, this third generation S60 benefits from vibrant design, a roomy cabin and a package of advanced safety equipment.

Volvo S60 T5 R-Design

ENGINE: 2.0-litre, turbocharged four cylinder T5 petrol 250hp

PERFORMANCE: Max speed 145mph and 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds

ECONOMY: 35.3 - 39.8mpg and emissions of 152g/km

TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed Automatic