SWEDISH car maker Volvo is making a return to the luxury saloon market with a sleek-looking new model called the S90.

Due to make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January the S90 will come loaded with technology, including a system which will enable it to almost drive itself at motorway speeds.

Following on from the recently launched XC90 SUV - which is now available in sporty R-Design trim - the new saloon continues Volvo's comeback in the premium sector.

As well as a semi-autonomous drive mode the S90 will also be available as a plug-in hybrid and will come fitted with an anti-collision system that can now detect large animals.

Since becoming part of the Chinese-owned Geely organisation the company has invested more than £5 billion in new models and engines over the past five years.

Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president in charge of design at Volvo said: "Our idea was to bring something entirely new to this rather conservative segment and deliver a visual expression that exudes leadership and confidence on the exterior.

"On the inside, we have taken the S90 to the next level, delivering a high-end luxury experience that promises comfort and control."

The interior of the S90 has the same quality of trim as used in the XC90 which in the latest R-Design specification is priced from £49,785.

The R-Design versions are available with Volvo's D5 diesel and T6 petrol Drive-E four cylinder engines and with the T8 petrol-electric plug-in system all of which are likely to be used in the new saloon.

As well as 20-inch alloys the R-Design cars come with black gloss mesh grilles, silver-capped door mirrors and tinted rear windows while inside they are fitted with leather sports seats and a 12.3-inch TFT instrument display panel.