What's all this about?

Volvo has given the XC90 some sporting attitude with a new trim level, called R-Design.

Wait a minute - hasn't the XC90 only just gone on sale?

Indeed it has, but the R-Design isn't even the first 'special' version of the SUV. That honour goes to the 1,927 individually numbered First Edition XC90s, which all came in black and sold out within 47 hours of being announced.

Cor, people really want XC90s, don't they?

The second generation of the Swedish SUV has been a long time coming, that's why.

Tell me more about the R-Design.

It has some subtle body additions outside, like a revised front grille, front spoiler and twin exhausts, while it rides on huge 20-inch rims. Inside is all sporty detailing and perforated leather, with paddle shifts for the gearbox.

Any word on power upgrades?

No, although the top-level Drive-E powertrain (augmented by hybrid technology) can deliver 400hp from 2.0 litres. Impressive. The XC90 will only be available with Volvo's new four-cylinder engines, which constitute one diesel and one petrol that are to be found in various states of tune.

So how does the XC90 range line up now?

The core seller will be the Momentum entry-level model, but above this - and like many other manufacturers - the trims split into two branches. One is sporty and populated by the R-Design; the other is luxury orientated and known as Inscription. We're guessing the R-Design will be the more popular of the two.