Volvo has announced that its all-new S60 sports saloon will be unveiled at Geneva this March. The car will be initially offered with three engine choices and features like 'Pedestrian Detection' braking technology and a new 'Dynamic' chassis.

Aesthetically, Volvo has said that it wishes to make the S60 sportier than its previous family saloons. As a result, the car avails of design features such as a C-pillar that stretches back to the tail lamps and prominent contours that run from the front to the rear of the car. Volvo is also offering the option of an exterior styling kit that includes features like exhaust tailpipe finishers and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The S60 will be initially offered with a 3.0-litre petrol engine (the T6) and two diesels, one 2.4-litre (the D5) and the other a 2.0-litre (the D3). The T6 produces 304bhp and 325lb.ft of torque, with 0-62mph being dealt with in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. The D5 has 205bhp with 310lb.ft of torque and hits 62mph in 7.8 seconds. Maximum speed sits at 146mph for the manual and 143mph for the automatic. The D3 is the least powerful with 163bhp and 205lb.ft but is also the most economical, managing a combined fuel consumption figure of 54.3mpg. It'll be the best seller in Europe.

The S60 also has a new chassis that Volvo believes will make it a more involving drive. The changes mean that the new car has 100 per cent improved torsional rigidity and a 47 per cent increase in overall stiffness.

Aside from sportiness, the S60 has a new automated braking system called Pedestrian Detection. The car is fitted with radar and a camera that monitors the road conditions in front and behind. This then reacts to a pedestrian stepping into the road and brakes accordingly. The system also monitors the movements of other cars on the road.

The new Volvo S60 will begin delivery this summer with prices and specifications being released closer to that date. The world premiere will take place at Geneva on March 2.

Kieran Fitzpatrick - 9 Feb 2010