VOLVO has never really lost its reputation of hunky solidity, but the new S80 saloon underlines this philosophy tremendously.
Wherever I looked on this car, everything had that feel of the 'old' Volvo's blending in with the mass of latest technology that makes the S80 a potential winner in the tough world of large car motoring.
Even the door hinges are massively engineered and inside there is a hunky steering wheel and all secondary controls seem to be manufactured with an easy 20 year-plus lifespan in mind.
But Volvo has not forgotten the needs of the modern driver when designing this executive-mobile, introducing two new four-cylinder engines to the S80 saloon, a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel. These entry-level units give improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
I drove the four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbodiesel which provides 136bhp and uses second-generation common rail technology to give the punchy performance this car deserves.
The new S80 diesel is priced from £24,345 and with CO2 emissions of 151g/km its tax liability falls to 20 per cent for business users.
But one of the most interesting features about the S80 is its total loyalty to the qualites that made Volvo one of the most individual choices in motoring.
Ford ownership has done much for development but has not done away with what really makes the big Volvo so special.
S80 is still unmistakably Scandinavian in style and functionality and that means a lot to Volvo fans.
Technical innovations include a personal car communicator, which checks if the car is locked or unlocked, if the alarm has been activated and can also sense if anyone is in the car uninvited.
A collision warning with auto brake helps to avoid running into the car in front, while a blind spot information system (BLIS) registers if another vehicle is in the blind spot, alongside the car.
A Volvo world first for the S80 is the clean zone interior package that provides clean cabin air to the standards approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.
Volvo claims the S80 is the best handling, most agile and best-performing big Volvo saloon ever. It might be the first Volvo saloon to feature a V8 option but it is the economical diesel which I firmly believe will be gobbling up the miles and the sales in the UK.
Top speed is 124mph, 0-62mph acceleration takes 11 seconds and, most pleasingly of all, combined fuel consumption is a frugal 49.6mpg.
FAST FACTS
Volvo S80 2.0D SE
Price: £24,345
Mechanical: 136bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 11 secs
Combined mpg: 49.6
Insurance group: 13
C02 emissions: 151g/km
BiK rating: 20%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust