WALES meets Scandinavia in the Volvo S80 3.2. The latest version of Volvo's big car model is now available with the new and highly-efficient 3.2-litre straight six engine designed by Volvo and built in Bridgend, South Wales.
The reason for this unusual combination is that Volvo is now part of the Ford Premier Automotive Group and the South Wales factory is one of its most important engine plants, having been responsible for the manufacture of the world renowned Jaguar V8 power unit.
So how does this league of nations pan out on the open road.
Don 't expect a drawing room interior with this one. Inside, the new S80 is a simple Scandinavian luxury approach which combines aesthetics and technology in an intelligent way.
The ultra-slim centre console is a point in particular. It has no back and appears to float while containing some of the most important switches. It does its job in the simplest way possible but while also providing ultra modern features like an ipod connection.
Volvo still persists in an unusual rising screen and remote-control handset when it comes to satnav. Although it may interrupt the sweeping Scandinavian lines of the control panel, I would much rather see this feature as part of the dash. But I am sure many prefer to have the satnav out of the way when not in use.
It's all a question of personal preference.
When it comes to performance, the engine has more power and torque than the outgoing 2.9, making best use of the natural smoothness a straight six cylinder possesses.
The engine is so compact that it can be fitted crossways and the legendary Volvo crash structure can be bult around it.
The shorter engine provides room for an improved turning circle of just 11.2 metres. A switching system features two different intake cam profiles which give finer performance coupled with economy.
Any engine that professes to be a jack of all trades can sometimes turn out to be a master of none, but this unit goes as far as it is possible to go in combining driving enjoyment with reasonably good economy for a big six.
Top speed is 149mph and a zero to 62mph sprint takes just 7.9 seconds. Combined fuel economy is 28.8mpg.
The 3.2 is one of the most important S80 models in a range wihch incorporates a powerful 4.4-litre V8 all-wheel drive, a 2.5 petrol and five-cylinder diesels.
The more rounded and swept back frontal styling takes Volvo into a new generation without losing its values.
FAST FACTS
Volvo S80 3.2 SE Lux
Price: £31,495
Mechanical: 238bhp, 3,192cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 149mph
0-62mph: 7.9 secs
Combined mpg: 28.8
Insurance group: 17
C02 emissions: 234g/km
BiK rating: 33%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust