Prices for the new Volvo XC60 SUV start at £37,205 OTR, for the D4 AWD Momentum model.

Available to order in the UK now, the XC60 is the first of Volvo’s mid-sized 60 series models to be built on its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. It is powered exclusively by Volvo’s efficient Drive-E powertrains, and features much of the advanced connectivity, entertainment and safety technology from the larger 90 series cars – the S90 premium saloon, V90 estate and XC90 SUV.

A choice of three 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engines will initially be available – the D4 and D5 PowerPulse diesels, and the T5 petrol. A T8 Twin Engine petrol-electric plug-in hybrid will be available later in the year.

Every XC60 comes with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The D4 offers 190 hp, combined fuel consumption of up to 55.4 mpg and CO2 emissions from 133 g/km. The D5 has 235 hp, combined fuel consumption of 51.4 mpg and CO2 emissions of 144 g/km. It also benefits from PowerPulse, a Volvo invention that uses compressed air to spin the engine’s two turbos when they would otherwise be dormant, such as very low engine revs, boosting responsiveness. The T5 offers 254 hp, combined fuel economy of up to 39.2 mpg and CO2 emissions from 164 g/km.

The D5 models start at £43,205 OTR up to £48,405 OTR for the range-topping D5 PowerPulse AWD Inscription Pro. The petrol T5 AWD Momentum starts at £37,900 OTR up to £45,600 OTR for the top petrol model - the T5 AWD Inscription Pro.

Every version of the XC60 comes as standard with ‘leather-faced’ upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and 18” alloy wheels.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system is also standard. This brings a 9” portrait-style touch screen, satellite navigation – including lifetime annual map updates and Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI) – and a voice-activation system. It also provides access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps such as Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher and Yelp.

Volvo’s City Safety system is fitted to every XC60. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and the world-first application of Steer Assist. This feature helps to avoid or limit the severity of collisions at low speeds by assisting with the steering in an emergency, such as when swerving to miss an obstacle.

Pilot Assist, Volvo’s semi-autonomous drive feature, is an optional extra on every XC60. It assists with the steering (up to 80 mph) and takes care of the acceleration and braking required to keep the car within lane markings and at the desired cruising speed or distance from any vehicle in front. Pilot Assist is another step towards fully autonomous driving.

The R-Design version adds 19” alloy wheels, sports suspension, sports seats trimmed in leather and Nubuck, a high gloss black front grille, and silver matt and high gloss exterior detailing. The Inscription trim level gets Nappa soft leather upholstery and electrically adjustable ventilated front seats. It also has a different style of 19” wheels, chrome exterior details, and rear footwell and side step illumination.

Every version is also available in the highly specified 'Pro' form. Going for Momentum Pro brings powered front seats, a heated steering wheel and windscreen, active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology, and Volvo On Call - Volvo’s connected smartphone app which allows you to control various car functions remotely.

R-Design Pro benefits from all this, along with 21” alloy wheels and electronic air suspension and adaptive dampers, while Inscription Pro has 20” wheels, the upgraded suspension and a massage function for the front seats.

Jon Wakefield, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “We’re incredibly excited about the brand-new XC60. Not only does it bring all the style and advanced technology from our larger cars to our best-selling SUV, it is the latest step in Volvo’s transformation.”

First customer deliveries are expected in late summer 2017.