IF you haven't checked out a Volvo estate car recently, then you may think they're still somewhat big and boxy machines that could easily swallow a Euro pallet and which were churned out in their droves from the 1960s to 1990s.

Well, if that's the case, then you really are way behind the times, for the latest Volvo V60 tourers, which first hit our streets in 2010, were beautiful, sleek, sporty load-luggers packed to the gunnels with the then latest in high-tech goodies.

And this was especially so when it came sporting one of Volvo's highly-sought-after R-Design badges.

Viewed side on, the V60 could quite easily be mistaken for a sports coupé with its low-slung bodywork sitting on large ultra-low-profile tyres, while from the front, it's chunky nose, swept-back headlamp clusters and large air intakes gave it a somewhat agressive "don't mess with me" look.

Inside, you won't be disappointed, with supportive seats, top-quality switches, blue-lit dials and aluminium touches, making it a top class act by anyone's standards.

Climate control came as standard - just the ticket for long-distance cruising - while other extras to look out for when buying second-hand are adaptive cruise control - which automatically slowed the machine down if it ventured too close to the car ahead - lane departure system and blind spot alert.

Along with plenty cubby holes and storage boxes, the boot on the V60 came with a useful capacity of 339 litres which could be increased by lowering the split rear seats in up to three stages to a maximum of 900 litres.

The V60 was one of those cars which revelled when it came to motorway driving. It provided a totally relaxed ride - cruising at 70mph with the rev counter needle showing just 2,000rpm - yet with just the slightest pump of the right foot you could be instantly in trouble should the boys in blue happened to be hanging around waiting with one of their speed guns pointing in your direction.

Volvo engineers spent a lot of time tuning the chassis and suspension to enhance the V60's dynamic characteristics and it certainly showed, for the car's handling was absolutely superb.

No matter what type of road you were driving, this baby stuck to the black stuff like glue.

When buying used, another feature worth looking out for in a used V60 is one fitted with corner traction control. This brakes the inside wheel when cornering, transferring more power to the outside wheel to give a more controlled line through corners.

With a massive range of more than 100 models from which to choose in the marque's ES, SE, SE Premium, SE Lux, SE Lux Premium, R Design, R Design Premium and Ocean Race trim levels, you will quickly find a used car example that will suit your taste and your budget down to a T.

Four petrol engines were available from launch, consisting of the T3 1.6-litre 150bhp, with the more powerful similar-sized T4 good for 180bhp. Next up was the T5 two-litre 240-brake followed by the T6 three-litre 304bhp.

Three diesel units were also available: a 1.6-litre DRIVe turbo I4 low emission engine pumping out 115bhp. The two-litre D3 I5 was good for 163bhp, while the D5 twin-turbo I5 pumped out a healthy 205-brake.

A 2011, 61-plate 150bhp petrol-powered T3 model in entry-level ES trim will set you back anything between £6,820 and £8,765, while the price of a 2012 example on a 62 plate will come in at between £8,235 and £10,195.

At the other end of the scale, a 2011, 61-plate top-end 205bhp D5 all-wheel-drive R Design model with six-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox will cost from £9,920 to £12,710, while a 2012, similar 62-plate version will cost anything from £12,165 and £15,010 depending on the mileage and overall condition.