Whilst the Volvo S60 has brought a decent fight to the class-leading BMW 3 Series, it crashed and burned quite badly when it comes to competing for the growing diesel market. Not only was the BMW cleaning up, but the Swedes were offering nothing in reply. Anxious to rectify this fundamental oversight, Volvo responded, and how, with the S60 D5.

Anxious to do even better, the Swedes upped the ante a while back, boosting this engine from 163 to 185bhp and introducing a 163bhp 2.4D unit for those on more of a budget. Both engines are of course Euro IV-compliant. The original 163bhp D5 was the first ever in-house manufactured Volvo diesel engine. Yes, we've seen Volvo diesels before, but they were relatively low-tech units compared to the resolutely modern D5 and were based on designs from other companies such as Renault. In order to compete in the big league, Volvo needed something special. Being part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group would have given them access to some cutting-edge diesel expertise, and although it's not known if Volvo went a-knocking on the door of Ford Dagenham's Centre for Diesel Excellence, they seem to have got their take on the diesel revolution suspiciously right first time.

"The engine takes on an impressive, albeit muted, induction roar like a very powerful petrol unit."

Loosely based on their 2.4-litre all aluminium five-cylinder petrol engine, the D5 has received additional strengthening to cope with the torque loading and stresses of a diesel unit. Talking torque, this latest D5 generates a healthy 400Nm at just 1750rpm, which is comparable with the 260bhp S60 T5 petrol unit and comfortably more than a Mercedes E350. Don't be tempted to think that this amount of lugging power comes at the expense of refinement. Twist the key and you'll get a slight thrum that'll remind you which pump to pull up at but nothing that's going to make you invest in an uprated stereo system to drown out the din. On a par with the better diesels from Audi and Mercedes, if not quite BMW standard, engine noise is well controlled even when ascending the rev Range, when the engine takes on an impressive, albeit muted, induction roar like a very powerful petrol unit.

Giving all 185bhp their head is certainly an impressive exercise as, unlike so many diesel engines, there's a useable amount of flexibility to be had near the top end of the rev band - although a bit of a dip exists at the bottom end. So, a diesel that revs like a decent petrol engine and sounds like one too - does it have the performance to match? To be frank, no it doesn't. Those chaps at Volvo may be clever but they can't manage the impossible, especially when you factor in the S60 D5's 47mpg average economy figure. Still a sprint to 60mph in 8.2 seconds is hardly lethargic and a top speed of 143mph will be enough for all but the most gimlet-eyed autobahn stormers. The S60 D5 is, however, a car for the long run, it's 15.4-gallon fuel tank giving it a cruising Range of over 925 miles - a distance that could be covered for less than £65 in fuel!

The D5 engine features a number of firsts. Not only was it Volvo's first stab at an oil burner, but it was also the first to use Bosch's second-generation common rail fuel injection system boasting higher injector pressures. This means a more consistent injection cycle, better fuel economy and fewer emissions. It was also the first diesel engine to feature electronically controlled Exhaust Gas Recirculation, which reduces harmful nitrous oxide emissions, and is also fitted with a Variable Nozzle Turbine which claims to extract boost pressure even at low revs.

Five versions are offered. Initially, there's the S entry-level version at £23,255, the sporty Sport at £25,105 and the more luxurious SE trim which weighs in at £25,755. Then you have the £27,555 SE Sport and the Range-topping SE Lux for £28,005. All of these feature an equipment list that includes cruise control, 16" alloy wheels, a CD player, cruise control, wood-effect trim and an upholstery upgrade. The SE weighs in with additional leather, chrome and other extras. There are airbags everywhere: two at the front and two at the side, all of which have been programmed to activate less aggressively. Plus there's an inflatable curtain which covers the side windows and protects the occupant's head in a lateral impact.

The main focus of the last set of changes brought to the S60 package was that of boosting the car's sportiness, both actual and perceived. The Dynamic chassis was introduced across the Range with revised components, while Sport models get a Sport chassis and the SE Sport derivatives benefit from the active Four-C set-up. Outside, indicators are integrated into the larger mirrors, there's a low front spoiler and the grille has a wide chrome surround. Inside, there's more chrome and aluminium detailing with cruise control standard on all models.

Volvo has an unparalled reputation for safety and the S60 harbours yet another Volvo safety innovation that will doubtless find its way into many other rival cars. Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) acts much like an extra set of eyes and utilizes digital camera technology mounted in the door mirrors to monitor the areas 3m to each side and up to 9.5m behind the driver. If a vehicle enters this area, a symbol appears on the windscreen pillar near the rear view mirror to indicate that something's there when you take a quick look towards the mirror. Active at speeds above 10km/h, this system isn't the only safety benefit buyers of the latest S60 enjoy. Special water repellent glass is fitted to the mirrors and side windows. Water beads up on the glass and the airstream quickly clears it, leaving unimpeded visibility.

The Volvo S60 has been quietly mopping up significant numbers of executive car floating voters, the sort fed up with the no-brainer predictability of BMW/Audi/Mercedes. By ticking the 'I do not agree' box and opting for the S60 they've found a car that offers a gentler charm with no little panache. The D5 versions make more sense than any other and give competent performance, fuel economy and refinement. In sticking the bullseye with its first dart, Volvo jumped straight into the big league and are up against some heavy hitters. Such is the excellence of the all-round product, you wouldn't bet against them.

TOP 5 S60 DEALS

The results below show the top S60 deals on buyacar

	Volvo S60 D5 SE Lux 2008 4dr [185] Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £372	Saving £4,387	Price £20,883
	Volvo S60 D5 SE 2008 4dr [185] Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £346	Saving £4,023	Price £19,247
	Volvo S60 D5 SE Lux 2008 4dr Geartronic [185] Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £395	Saving £4,642	Price £22,068
	Volvo S60 D5 SE Sport 2008 4dr [185] Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £356	Saving £4,205	Price £20,065
	Volvo S60 D5 SE 2008 4dr Geartronic [185] Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £369	Saving £4,278	Price £20,432

typical 10.11% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000