THE original XC60 was the car that established Volvo in the minds of buyers in the mid-sized SUV segment.

In nine years of production, it became the best selling car in its class in Europe and accounted for 30 per cent of Volvo’s total global sales.

Hence the crucial importance of this second generation which, along with the smaller X4 model, will be a key part of the Swedish marque’s future SUV strategy.

Volvo offers a choice of three conventional 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engines – the 190bhp D4 and 235bhp D5 diesels, and the 254bhp T5 petrol. Plus there’s a T8 twin engine petrol-electric plug-in hybrid.

Every XC60 comes with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

We’d favour the mid-range D5 variant. Here, an ingenious system called ‘PowerPulse’ is used to overcome turbo lag – that momentary delay in response you sometimes experience with powerful turbocharged diesel engines – so that the car responds as soon as you press the accelerator.

Even cleverer is the T8 twin engine model. In fact, this variant actually has three engines if you count the 25bhp starter motor/generator that pitches in from time to time to smooth any gaps in torque delivery between the two main power sources.

This second generation XC60 features a more upmarket, cohesive look. It shares the same Scalable Product Architecture platform as most of Volvo’s recent models, including its larger XC90 sibling. This mid-sized, premium SUV is 62mm longer, 12mm wider and 14mm lower than its predecessor and the 91mm-longer wheelbase means there’s more legroom in the rear.

At the wheel, you sit lower in the XC60 than you would in an XC90 and the muscular-looking door creases, extended ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights and new grille give this model a sportier look.

Inside, the dashboard, seats and upholstery will all be familiar to recent Volvo buyers; the same 9-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital dial displays feature.

It’s not just under the bonnet that the new XC60 delivers healthy performance. The new CleanZone four-zone climate control system removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin to deliver Scandinavian-fresh air on the inside. As in the 90 series cars, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also available.

Prices start at just over £37,000 and range up to just under £50,000. AWD and auto transmission features on all models and there are three main levels of trim – ‘Momentum’, ‘R-Design’ and ‘Inscription’, with plusher ‘Pro’ variants of each. Every version of the XC60 is very well equipped.

As standard, even entry-level Momentum variants come with leather-faced upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with a ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system is also standard. This brings a 9-inch portrait-style touch screen, satellite navigation and an intuitive voice-activation system. It also provides access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps, such as Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher and Yelp.

Volvo’s City Safety system is fitted to every XC60. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and the world-first application of Steer Assist. This helps to avoid or limit the severity of collisions at low speeds by assisting with the steering in an emergency, such as when swerving to miss an obstacle.

Pilot Assist, Volvo’s innovative, semi-autonomous drive feature, is an optional extra on every XC60. It assists with the steering (up to 80mph) and takes care of the acceleration and braking required to keep the car within lane markings and at the desired cruising speed or distance from any vehicle in front.

The 190bhp D4 variant most will choose offers combined fuel consumption of up to 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions from 133g/km. The pokier 235bhp D5 delivers combined fuel consumption of 51.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 144g/km.

The petrol-powered 254bhp T5 offers combined fuel economy of up to 39.2mpg and CO2 emissions from 164g/km. The 401bhp T8 petrol/electric plug-in hybrid offers an all-electric driving range of around 35 miles.

Maintenance should be relatively affordable for a car of this kind, with intervals every year or 18,000 miles. Three or five-year pre-paid servicing packages are available to help you budget ahead. If you pay extra for the useful ‘On Call with App’ remote connectivity system, this Volvo can be programmed to realise when a service is due, then automatically book it at a dealership of your choice.

Finally, we’ll tell you that the warranty is the usual three year, 60,000 mile package.

So, what do we think overall? It’s certainly true that other rivals will offer a sharper driving experience. And this XC60 won’t suit if you’re going to be regularly venturing off the beaten track.

But neither of these issues will bother many potential buyers, people more likely to value the cruising comfort, solid build quality and standard-setting safety that this car offers.

Our advice would be to get yourself a potent D5 diesel model with the clever engine.