Key facts:
Model tested: Volvo S60 D3 SE Premium 2.0 6sp saloon
Price: £27,295
Date tested: July 2010
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Ten Point Test
Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 81%
The S60 is the large saloon which Volvo hopes will change its image as a company that produces angular cars. It's stylish, but can it deliver on the road?

1. Looks 8/10
The S60's lines are almost coupe-like and work hard to disguise the car's height; it's the tallest car in its class. The rear lights feature distinctive strips, and the front carries Volvo's signature daytime running lights.

2. Looks inside 8/10
The interior will be familiar to existing Volvo buyers, but the materials are much better. The 'floating' centre console remains, with storage behind, but it's now angled towards the driver for a more cockpit-like feel.

3. Practicality 7/10
The S60 is offered as a saloon only, so the boot offers 339 litres of space only. The rear seat splits and folds, while inside the cabin there are lots of cubbyholes and rear seat space is very good.

4. Ride and Handling 7/10
The S60 has a sports-orientated chassis which makes it fun to drive fast. However, the firm suspension provides a hard ride and the steering lacks weight and feedback. But the S60 is fine for relaxing, high speed cruising.

5. Performance 8/10
Two diesel engines and a petrol are offered from launch, with three more diesels and another petrol on the way. The new 2-litre 'D3' turbodiesel engine is the pick of the two diesels with its 163bhp and 295lb/ft of pulling power to give 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and a 137mph top speed.

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6. Running Costs 8/10
The S60 starts at £23,295 but most cars will cost £25,000-£30,000 with options. The 2-litre D3 produces 139g/km and averages 53.3mpg. A low-emission 'Drive' model will appear, emitting just 115g/km from its 1.6-litre diesel engine.

7. Reliability 9/10
Most of the engines used have been proven in other models, and Volvo has a good reputation for reliability.

8. Safety 10/10
The S60 gets City Safety as standard. Optional are blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, Driver Alert Control and Pedestrian Detection.

9. Equipment 8/10
Three equipment grades are available: ES, SE and SE Lux. ES includes cruise control, a colour screen, multi-function steering wheel and alloy wheels. The SE adds aluminium trim, automatic dimming rear view mirror, folding door mirrors, automatic wipers, Bluetooth connectivity, rear park sensors and 17-inch alloys. The SE Lux adds electrically-adjustable leather seats, swivelling headlights and headlamp washers.

10. X-Factor 8/10
The S60 represents the first time for many years the company has built a car which can rival the likes of the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class. It's a stylish machine that's refreshingly different. Only a firm ride counts against it.