Volvo reveals new V70 - On the road

The range includes a mixture of petrol and diesel engines including, for the first time, a six-cylinder unit.

As well as 145bhp 2.5-, 173bhp 3.0- and 207bhp 3.2-litre petrol engines, buyers also have the choice of a 161bhp 2.4 or 183bhp D5 diesels to choose from. A bio-fuel engine that can run on up to 85/15% mix of ethanol and petrol is also available from launch.

Volvo says the new body structure and different grades of steel mean the V70 is 15% stiffer than before. The manufacturer promises the most refined, enjoyable and safe to drive V70 yet, although our verdict will have to wait until we get to grips with the car on the road later in the year.

An active chassis, where dampers automatically adjust themselves to driving conditions, continues to be an option with Volvo's Four-C system, which includes three settings of comfort, sport and advanced.

Stability and traction control are standard across the board, while the 3.2-litre T6 is fitted with four-wheel drive.