Oh brother... It's Volvo's 'baby' XC90

	The concept not only gives a good indication of what the XC60 will look like, but it also offers a hint of the lines of future Volvo models,

Named the XC60, the newcomer is the Swedish manufacturer's eagerly awaited small SUV.

Going on sale in 2009, Volvo's first entry into the highly competitive and rapidly growing compact off-roader market will line up against established models such as the BMW X3, Land Rover Freelander and Toyota RAV4, plus Ford's forthcoming Focus SUV.

As with the blue oval's newcomer - which we revealed in Issue 930 as the Iosis X - the XC60 is a concept for now. But it's unlikely to change much before reaching showrooms, with only the eye-catching chrome scuff plates and 20-inch alloy wheels set to make way for less daring replacements.

It's clear from these pictures that the XC60 shares many other similarities with the Ford, such as a dramatic­ally curved shape featuring a distinctive lower grille and kinked C-pillar.

Although it's easily recognisable as a Volvo, thanks to the bold nose and trademark diagonal belt badge, it debuts new design cues, too. These include angled headlights and a front end that makes the V-shape of the bonnet and grille much more pronounced.

"The concept not only gives a good indication of what the XC60 will look like, but it also offers a hint of the lines of future Volvo models," said design director Steve Mattin. "With a more sculpted appearance, our cars will be more extrovert in their visual appeal."

Neat tricks unique to the concept include a clever tailgate on which the lower number plate sur-round appears transparent from the inside, giving the driver better visibility when reversing.

Practicality is enhanced by an upper window that opens conventionally, along with the lower half which moves up and away from the tailgate, so items can be slid in from waist height.

Following Volvo's recent trend, the interior of the XC60 is as sharply styled as the exterior. The distinctive centre console, which debuted on the S40, is thin­ner and angled towards the driver, while the central analogue speedo­meter, flanked by twin digital read-outs, is all-new. What's more, the pale seats have been mounted to look as if they 'float' over the floor. The XC60 is packed with safety kit, too. Among the innovations is the new City Safety system, which helps the driver avoid prangs below about 20mph by automatically applying the brakes if it senses a crash is imminent.

Engines are borrowed from the S40 line-up. The best seller is expected to be the 2.0-litre diesel unit delivering 136bhp, while a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor will head the options for flagship models. Six-speed manual and five-speed Geartronic auto­matic transmissions will be available. As the car's platform architecture is shared with Ford's Iosis X, potential buyers can expect a degree of mud-plugging ability, although the XC60 will be at its best on tarmac.

"Just like the two present vehicles in the XC range, the XC60 is based on passenger car technology, which makes it possible to combine the newcomer's rugged capability with a dynamic and entertaining drive," said Fredrik Arp, president of Volvo Cars.

"As with the C30, we are aiming primarily for the lifestyle market," he continued. "You might say this could be a C30 owner's next car; it's equally sporty and exciting, but far more capable."