What's all this then?

This is the new Volvo XC60 and if you're thinking 'that looks a lot like an XC90 that got shrunk by the dry cleaners' then you're absolutely right - underneath, the XC60 uses the same chassis and engines as the bigger XC90, and it copies its counter-sunk grille and 'Thor's Hammer' headlights too.

Inside, there's a lot taken from the XC90 and the S90 saloon as well, including the big central touchscreen, but there are some swoopy design details that the bigger cars don't get. It's a strict five-seater though, like its main rivals the Audi Q5 and Merc GLC, so you'll have to upgrade to the XC90 if you need seven seats.

"We have focused on building a car that can deliver pleasure to all of your senses - from a commanding view of the road ahead in a beautifully appointed and calm cabin, to a safe, inspired and confident ride," said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President Product & Quality at Volvo Car Group. "We've paid particular attention to making life easier for our customers by providing them with the creature comforts and services that take the hassle out of everyday life."

On the safety front, the XC60 will come with a new Active Steering system that works with the car's other sensors to help keep you out of trouble. If it detects an obstacle that you're going to hit, it can take control and swerve around it. Drift out of lane and heading for a head-on? The steering can pull you back to safety, and it uses the blind spot monitor to stop you crashing into the side of another car when changing lanes. The self-driving 'Pilot Assist', which is standard on the XC90, will be an option on the XC60.

The engine range will kick off with the 190hp D4 diesel and 235hp D5 diesel, and there will be the 407hp, sub-50g/km T8 plugin hybrid too. Later on, a 150hp D3 variant will join the range.

It's a crucial car for Volvo. The old XC60 sold a million units in its lifetime, and represented a third of Volvo's global sales last year. This new one could, potentially, do even better than that, not least because you might just mistake it for a bigger, grander XC90...