FOR a company that hasn't been making SUVs for all that long Volvo has a habit of hitting the spot and getting it right first time.
Its XC90 had justified praise heaped upon it when it was unveiled a few years ago and now its little brother looks set to follow firmly in its footsteps.
The XC60 is actually marketed as a 'crossover' rather than an SUV but in effect it is one of the latest generation of scaled-down SUVs that are less bulky and essentially designed for life on-road rather than off it.
The first thing you notice about the XC60 is just how good it looks.
Smaller SUVs run the risk of losing that essential ruggedness that has made this type of vehicle so popular with buyers in the first place.
But the XC60 has presence-a-plenty and a stylish and distinctive look that should see it appeal to those downsizing from a larger SUV or trading up from a family estate.
Those clever Volvo designers really have managed to produce something that still has that essential SUV character but also has a considerable touch of style.
Some cars seem to make an instant impression and this was certainly one that hit the spot with me - and none of the versatility or practicality one associates with an SUV has been sacrificed either.
On the inside the XC60 is surprisingly capacious and the interior styling is also a winner.
This particular car might have had a fair few added extras but it struck me as the most premium feeling Volvo I have yet had the opportunity to drive.
The modern styling, characterised by that floating centre console, seems perfectly suited to this model and the switchgear and trim are nothing short of exemplary.
It has an incredibly solid and well-built feel too, and with the exception of some of Volvo's more sporty saloons it was probably the best handling Volvo I have experienced yet. For a vehicle that sits quite high it displays impressive stability, particularly when cornering.
I also found the 185bhp D5 diesel unit lively and accomplished - certainly more than up to the job.
The XC60 might not qualify for the compact SUV category populated by the likes of Volkswagen's Tiguan but sits nicely in between those small and larger SUVs that are starting to look like an extravagance in the midst of a credit crunch.
Main rivals are the likes of the Land Rover Freelander, so the Volvo certainly has its work cut out in a very competitive segment but I'd say it has more than enough going for it to hold its own.
And if you needed any more recommendations, even for a company renowned for its safety features the XC60 really is out on its own.
Volvo says it is the safest car they have ever made - which really is saying something.
With ever more elaborate safety systems being developed the XC60 features City Safety, which uses lasers to help in low speed accidents by automatically applying the brakes when it senses an impending impact.
There is also the BLIS blind spot warning system and a lane departure warning system.
And even though I was treated to all those extras, standard equipment is pretty generous too.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC60 D5 S
Price: £25,750
Mechanical: 185bhp, 2,400cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 9.4 secs
Combined mpg: 37.7
Insurance group: 14
CO2 emissions: 199g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 8yrs anti-rust