VOLVO has been busily transforming itself over the past few years from ultra-reliable and safe, but fairly dull, to still reliable and safe, but competitively stylish.

Moreover it is one of the pacesetters in the drive to bring down emissions.

In the face of stiff competition in the executive/luxury sector the move was inevitable if the Swedish car maker was to keep pace.

The latest raft of models is testament to that success with sleek-looking, reliable cars that also offer good performance and low emissions.

It has also now ventured boldly into the hybrid market with estate V60 electric/diesel hybrid a vehicle the firm describes as an electric car, hybrid car and muscle-car all rolled into one, but with ultra-low emissions and superb economy.

That goes on sale in 2012, but in the meantime, the revamped saloon version S60 takes on the likes of the Vauxhall Insignia and VW Passat as well as the more prestigious German brands and has plenty of green credentials to offer of its own.

Just like its predecessors, the S60 is big and offers the kind of safety equipment buyers have always associated with Volvo including a system which can avoid low speed impacts with other vehicles up to 19mph.

It also features a sleek, slippery coupe-like design that, combined with green engines, stop/go and regenerative technology, make it an economical car to tax and run.

With the R-Design model this also offers a sportier profile with specialised sports seats and stitching, twin exhausts and distinctive exterior badging.

The minimalist-but classy interior features the signature dilver 'floating' centre console and an array of controls that are both logically placed and easy to use.

This model featured a rapid, but frugal two-litre turbocharged diesel engine that delivers superb fuel economy and more than respectable performance.

Claimed fuel consumption is a shade over 57mpg and a week of varied motoring still had the fuel gauge registering between half and a quarter.

On top of the that, performance is excellent with a 0-60mph sprint figure of  8.7 seconds - a time that would see off many hot hatches - and low CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

This puts it in the 18 per cent bracket for company car drivers and low road tax for private buyers.

It is also a comfortable and refined cruiser, particularly on the motorways where it matches its German rivals for refinement.

The diesel engine is barely audible although wind and road noise are intrusive at higher speeds.

Volvo says the R-Design chassis sharpens the steering and handling agility and the car does respond well, but although direct, the steering proved too light for my liking.

The car seats four in comfort but the central rear armrest makes a fifth awkward and it is not hugely practical.

The boot is by no means the largest, but the car is very comfortable with all occupants feeling cosseted by the premium quality fixtures and fittings.