WELCOME to Volvo’s best car in a long time – and we mean ages, as in 40-plus years, since the 120 (Amazon) series secured the company’s reputation globally for safety, longevity and driveability.

Most subsequent models have been okay - and some even very good - but a few have also really sucked. The difference with the V60 is that – like its esteemed ancestor – this car rises above its station to offer a beguiling alternative to the default German choices.

Of course, it isn’t perfect, but there is very little wrong with this car, especially in base T5 guise tested here.