Meet the curvy compact...

Meet the curvy compact exec that aims to build on VolvoтЂ™s growing reputation for creating stylish, exciting cars. These are the first official pictures of the new S60, and while no image of the rear is available yet, drivers clearly have a great deal to look forward to.

ItтЂ™s inspired by the concept which debuted at the Detroit Motor Show in January, and features the same swooping coupé roofline and neatly rounded edges. ItтЂ™s even finished in the same copper paintjob! Inside, the cabin is set to be equally dramatic, with LED lights and a swooping dashboard, incorporating an LCD instrument panel.

Volvo has announced that the showroom-ready S60 will be unveiled at MarchтЂ™s Geneva expo тЂ“ and that production will start early next summer at the firmтЂ™s plant in Ghent, Belgium. Bosses have also promised that the newcomer will be equipped with the innovative Pedestrian Detection system тЂ“ a groundbreaking safety feature that can sense people in the road in front of the car, and apply the brakes automatically if the driver doesnтЂ™t react.

Although the engine line-up has yet to be confirmed, buyers are set to be offered an all-new 1.6-litre direct-injection EcoBoost petrol turbo unit, delivering 180bhp. A 1.6-litre diesel is also on the cards тЂ“ this is likely to power an ultra-efficient DRIVe model.

ItтЂ™s uncertain whether a high-performance R version of the new S60 will be produced. Sources close to the project say they want to emphasise the carтЂ™s eco credentials instead. A hybrid is in the pipeline, though. This will be developed from experimental work Volvo carried out with an all-electric C30.

Prices for the newcomer have yet to be finalised, but itтЂ™s expected to cost less than the larger V70 estate. The range could start at around ТЈ22,000.