Volvo has added more choice and sporting style to its V60 estate car range with the introduction of new R-Design versions, priced from £35,410.

R-Design variants are immediately recognisable thanks to exterior features that amplify the V60’s striking, modern lines, including a high-gloss black finish for the mesh front grille, door mirror housings, window frames, integrated roof rails and twin tailpipe surrounds. They are also distinguished by their 18-inch alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish. LED front fog lights and front parking sensors (to accompany the rear ones) are provided as standard.

The cabin interprets the R-Design-style theme with a black headlining, sports pedals, a sports leather steering wheel and gear lever, and R-Design-etched tread plates. The sports front seats are fitted with part-leather upholstery, cushion extensions and multi-directional lumbar support. There are also metal mesh interior inlays, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and a central rear armrest with built-in storage and cupholders.

The specification is not simply about a sportier appearance though. R-Design versions use sports-tuned suspension that delivers an even more engaging driving experience, with stiffer spring rates, faster-responding monotube dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and a 12mm lower ride height. This adds emphasis to the V60’s character as a dynamic and versatile estate car that goes far beyond functional, family-friendly transport.

R-Design specification is available with all the current V60 Drive-E powertrain options: D3 and D4 diesels with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, and the T5 petrol automatic. Automatic versions are unique in the V60 range in featuring paddle shifts on the steering wheel for quick manual gear selection. Combined cycle fuel economy is up to 62.9mpg with CO₂ emissions from as little as 119g/km (D4 manual).

The R-Design features are in addition to the standard V60 equipment list, which includes a nine-inch touchscreen control system, two-zone climate control, automatic headlights with active high beam, 12.3-inch driver’s information display and a powered tailgate. All models also come with Volvo’s advanced City Safety suite of collision-avoidance aids, along with Sensus connectivity, including satellite-navigation, voice-activated control and a 10-speaker audio system.

The qualities of the V60 R-Design can be taken to a higher level with the R-Design Pro version, again available with all engine/transmission combinations. This introduces 19-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted rear windows, active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology, and puddle lights. Keyless Drive – entry and engine start – and hands-free tailgate operation increase the convenience factor, while the cabin ambience is enhanced with multi-colour interior lighting. A driver’s head-up display is also fitted, while the front seats gain integrated heaters, with power adjustment for the driver’s seat and a memory setting that also automatically adjusts the door mirrors.

Commenting on the introduction of the R-Design versions, Matt Galvin, Sales Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “The new V60 is a significant model for Volvo, especially as we head towards our target of selling 60,000 cars in the UK by 2020. With the added dynamic appeal of the striking R-Design versions, we’re confident the V60 will be a hit with our customers and retailers alike.”

The R-Design is expected to become the best-selling grade in the UK V60 range. Orders are being taken now, with first deliveries to customers expected at the end of the year. On-the-road prices start at £35,410 for the D3 manual model, with R-Design Pro versions available from £37,660.