THE new Volvo S60 is on its way - and it's a truly international effort.

Built in a new, state-of-the-art factory in the USA by a legendary Swedish marque which is owned by one of China's biggest car companies it will hit the roads of Britain in May marking a further significant step in the complete renewal of the Volvo product range.

Initially it's available only in R-Design trim, priced at £37,920, with a 250hp, turbocharged, two litre petrol engine matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Volvo calls this a ‘pathfinder' for a range which will grow later in the year with additional equipment grades and more powertrain choices including all-wheel-drive, petrol-electric hybrids. Significantly, however, there will not be a diesel to be seen in the new S60 range.

The high-spec R-Design Edition makes its debut in UK showrooms from May 11th. It will come with lowered sports suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels with a contrast diamond cut and black finish. In the cabin, the heated sports front seats are upholstered in a combination of Nappa leather and high-quality fabric.

Premium features include a driver's head-up display, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, a heated steering wheel and a 600W 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system and a nine-inch touchscreen multimedia system including navigation.

Advanced technology features include a semi-autonomous system which controls the car's acceleration and braking and assists the steering to keep the S60 at the right speed, at a safe distance from any vehicles ahead and correctly positioned in its lane. There's also a blind spot information system with cross traffic alert and rear collision mitigation.

Jon Wakefield, Volvo Car UK managing director, has high hopes for the new S60 as it enters a market dominated by German sports saloons from BMW, Audi and Mercedes. He says: "Focusing on our brand strengths of design, technology and safety, we are confident the S60 has the potential to perform strongly in what is traditionally a very competitive market segment."