Volvo shows first pictures of crisp new S60

These are the first official pictures of the forthcoming second-generation mid-sized S60 Volvo saloon. The first S60 made something of an impact when it was first introduced in 2000 but has had a very low profile in recent years, at least since the arrival of the slightly smaller but fresher S40 saloon and V50 estate in 2004.

Like all Volvos since the first S80 introduced in 1998, the new car relies heavily on the strong shoulder line borrowed from the old 140/240 series – first introduced back in the Sixties - in order to help it stand out from the crowd, but this S60 is a curvier, wedgier affair than its predecessor.

The S60 is particularly important for Volvo's future – Ford has put the Swedish car-maker up for sale and this car will help set the course for the company during the first few years under its eventual new owner.