Volvo is intent on going sporty with the S60 range of junior exec saloons.

Fresh from launching the core range, Volvo quickly rolled out the tuned R-Design models: this was more than just a trim option, as there’s a surprising amount of chassis jiggery been undertaken.

When you read Volvo has fitted 15% stiffer springs, monotube dampers, 20% stiffer bushes, even a strut brace, you know there’s intent there.

It’s all part of making Volvo cars – and, thus Volvo drivers – racy and cool (let’s gloss over the ‘Naughty’ bit, aye?). Thing is, I already knew this.

The Volvo man in the Volvo S60 Motoring Research recently had on test was real-life proof of this.

Sure, it wasn’t a *real* Volvo man (only Audi A8 press fleet cars come with one of those). But, boy, how the virtual Volvo man on the dashboard has gotten all cool.

He’s part of Volvo’s genius heating stratification system. The rest of the centre console is button laden, but not this part. You want hot air to the feet? Press his legs. Fresh air to the head? Press his head.

Yup, he’s hot and cool as WELL as cool. Hasn’t always been thus, though. Check him out in the old-shape Volvo S60.

Straight-laced, sensible, dowdy and far from cutting a dash about town. He was the epitome of sensibility.

Not anymore. Volvo S60 man is now laid back, edgy, glows green and is properly down with the kids.

He’s even discovered how to get the Volvo S60 seats down low and racy.

More than I managed, alas.