THE BEST LOOKING and fastest hearse in the neighbourhood has seamlessly integrated itself into the Steyn family. I love the way I can just get into the V60 and it automatically connects with my Bluetooth activated iPhone, continuing on iTunes from where it left off the last time I drove the car.

Since the powered driver seat has a memory function which will store up to three seating positions, I only have to hold in the number 1 button for the seat and the folding side mirrors to move into my preferred position. My favourite radio stations have been selected and assigned to each of nine shortcut buttons.

The climate control now has the perfect Goldilocks setting – not too hot, not too cold, not too high, not too low – just right for me. One of the things Volvo do better than most other manufacturers is the way the HVAC controls (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) are set up. There’s a simple illustration of the human body on the dashboard. Press the head and air is directed to your head. Press the body and that’s where air goes. Easy and clever. It’s so good we’ve now seen it copied on some Chinese cars, proof that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Volvos have always been supremely comfortable and safe cars, built around the needs of all the passengers in the car and not just the driver. With the new generation of Volvos, and specifically with the sportier R-Design package now an option, some of the focus has shifted back to driver enjoyment.

In future updates I’ll go into more detail regarding exactly what the R-Design package entails, but suffice to say that the visual and dynamic enhancements certainly pump some testosterone into the V60. The hearse quip at the beginning refers more to the fact that any black wagon runs the risk of being labelled a hearse. Black is not my favourite colour since it shows up dust five minutes after you’ve washed it, but combined with those 18-inch Ixion rims the V60 manages to look quite gangsta. More ‘The Undertaker’ as in World Wrestling Federation than the fellow from Goodall & Williams.

The only quibble thus far has been the folding side view mirror on the passenger side which doesn’t always return to the proper position once you start the car. If you’re driving alone, it means you have to stop, get out, walk around and manually push it back into place. If it continues to be an issue, a visit to the local Volvo dealer is on the cards.

PREVIOUS UPDATE ON THE VOLVO HERE