There was a time when only a fool would consider crashing in anything other than a Volvo. The Swedish marque’s reputation for safety was second to none.

Times change, of course, and while their cars remain among the safest on our roads, it’s no longer enough to differentiate Volvo from the competition and, let’s be honest, the 900 series was hardly a masterclass in creativity.

And so the S40 arrived, followed a few years later by the S80. These cars were a radical departure from the boxy Volvos we were used to seeing on our roads where the only curves were the wheel arches.

The S60 arrived in its present form in 2010. It’s sensuous swooping lines, from bonnet to boot, were unlike anything to have rolled off Volvo’s production lines and was certainly good looking enough to give the Germans a scare.

Four years after its launch and the S60 is still a looker, the steeply sloping rear windscreen and stubby boot producing an almost coupe-like appearance. It seems to sit low, hunched to ground. The S60 certainly has sporting intent.

The big surprise then, particularly in the back, is the amount of headroom. I’m 6ft 1in and I expected my head to be touching cloth in the back but, no, that wasn’t the case. I have no idea how Volvo have managed it - I suspect the dark arts were involved somewhere - but manage it they have.

There’s just about enough legroom with the front seats in their rear-most position but if you’re over six feet I wouldn’t be looking forward to spending extended periods in the back.

Volvo’s ‘adaptive display’ combines the flexibility of digital with the clarity of analogue and includes three themes - Eco, Elegance and Performance - that alter the colours, layout and information displayed. It’s certainly one of the most attractive dashboards I’ve seen.

It’s just a pity that simplicity hasn’t been carried over to the centre console, where a cluster of buttons - some of which are made slightly awkward to access by the gear lever - spoil the effect.

Performance from the 2.0-litre diesel is brisk and, when you put your foot down hard - on the accelerator, not the brake - there’s a not insignificant nudge in the back as the car surges forward. The S60 certainly has the go to accompany the show.

The eight-speed automatic changes gear with little fuss when you’re just pottering around but, of course, that changes when you’re looking for a quick getaway. There is the option to manually change gear with the steering wheel-mounted paddles or gear lever but, with eight ratios to work through, why would you?

My other half described the S60 as ‘very comfortable’, and that’s no small compliment. It’s quiet and composed on the motorway and, as we discovered on a roundabout trip to Eastbourne, pretty competent on single-track rural lanes too. The engine is efficient, powerful and refined and it’s all beautifully wrapped in a sumptuous silhouette. In fact, I’d say the Germans have got some serious competition.

PRICE: £29,645

AS TESTED: £37,974

ENGINE: In-line four cylinder turbo diesel

TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic

ACCELERATION (0-62mph): 7.4sec

TOP SPEED: 143mph

FUEL ECONOMY (COMBINED): 67mpg

EMISSIONS: 109g/km

For more information about the S60 and other Volvo cars click here.