IN all walks of life, the shape of things to come maintains an ever-changing pattern and the motorworld is no exception.
For example, in my younger days, I was introduced to the then so-called "razor-edged look" in a neighbour's transport of delight, the Triumph Mayflower.
In the event, this product of Standard Triumph with the well chiselled shape failed to make a major market impression, occupying the Midland's car factory assembly lines only from 1950 to 1953 while producing a little over 30,000 models.
But the demise of, what became, Triumph's "forgotten model" didn't signal the end for the knife-edged coachwork look as Volvo then spent years producing big saloon and estate cars such as the 240 and 700 series, cars shaped like a house brick which boasted boxy, sharp-edged lines.
However, the 1990s presided over a sea change for the Swedish "wagonmasters" as more fluid lines began to emerge to replace the squared-off straight-edged appearance. Such is the case with the latest version of Volvo's most popular current model, the S60.
The Volvo S60 actually hit the UK market in the autumn of the year 2000, the Scandinavian car giant being determined to show that the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi should no longer have things all their own way when it comes to the creation of high quality compact sports saloons.
The S60 enjoyed a makeover last year and the current range, which slots neatly between the S40 and the S80 saloons, offers a quartet of turbocharged petrol engines - two-litre 80bhp, 2.5-litre 210bhp, 2.3-litre 250bhp and the blisteringly quick 2.5-litre S60R with 300bhp on tap.
Also on offer is a 2.4-litre bi-fuel engine option that can run on both petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and while there is also available a 2.4-litre 163bhp turbo diesel power source, I've just tested the D5 - a hugely impressive 2.4-litre car with 185bhp on tap.
Specification options are S, Sport and SE, each providing a progressively generous level of standard kit and the S60 D5 Sport model includes in its manifest the likes of electronic climate control, powered windows all round, powered folding door mirrors, information centre, cruise control and six-speaker audio system with single slot CD controlled by steering wheel-mounted switches.
There are also lots of stowage solutions, a goodly count of cupholders, a grocery bag holder and a rear waste bag which doubles as a bottle holder.
As you would expect with a Volvo, safety has been well and truly addressed, all S60 models getting high levels of crash protection in the shape of dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, Volvo's side impact protection system (SIPS), inflatable curtain airbags, a whiplash protection system (WHIPS) for the front seats and even water repellent glass for the door mirrors and side windows.
Driver safety aids also include ABS braking with electronic brake distribution as well as stability and traction control.
In a cabin which is quite wide for cars of this particular genre, the S60 caters pretty well for four adults with max headroom in the back having just sufficient clearance for six-footers, although rear legroom may prove a little on the tight side for some
While there is a quite generously accommodating luggage bay with a capacity of 424 cubic litres with all seats taken, plus further baggage space courtesy of the folding rear seats, the boot opening is somewhat small due to the S60's stubby coupe-like tail.
Although the Sport chassis translates into a quite smooth yet firm ride and produces some fine, grippy handling with body movement neatly under control, buyers can choose a suspension set-up which places the emphasis on comfort.
Paired with a six-speed, slick-shifting manual gear change, the 2.4-litre turbo diesel is capable of doing 0-62mph in a little over eight seconds and wind and road noise are then kept to civilised levels as the S60 takes on the role of a super cruiser .
Overall, the Volvo S60 is a head-turningly handsome compact sports saloon which flaunts its coupe looks with aplomb It also provides some hugely rewarding driver involvement courtesy of a fine driving position and some crisp-acting controls all in an extremely safety conscious environment.
FAST FACTS
Volvo S60 2.4 D5 Sport
Price: £25,005
Mechanical: 185bhp, 2,401cc, 5cyl diesel driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 8.2 secs
Combined mpg: 42.8
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emission: 174g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 8yrs anti-rust