Of course, all you have to do is look at it to see that it's not a Lada,

The Volvo looks so good in front of that house, we just had to show you it again. (Photo: Kogodos, Canadian Auto Press)

and credit to Hyundai for coming such a long way, but I would still not dare to be seen in an Accent in my neighbourhood (okay, I live on the edge of it, but Forest Hill is still Premium and Luxury for the masses, although I have seen the odd Sonata popping up here and there to show how far they have truly come). S60s are not a strange sight, and now I can understand why.

Despite the logical arguments of safety and solid performance, linked by Volvo's AWD, which aids both, and the S60 is a true all-season car for someone who can afford it. Pop for the Special Edition Package, which was included on my tester, and you'll add the luxury of power adjustable seats plus piles of leather everywhere, an auto dimming mirror (once you get used to one, it's hard to ever go back) and Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC). Dress it up in gloss metallic black paint and those SENTINAL rims and you have yourself a Volvo that will draw nods from other drivers at stoplights and even teenagers with "Was that a Volvo?" looks as you roll by. And while safety is always a beautiful thing, never has a Volvo been so sexy.

Specifications (S60 2.5T AWD SE):

• Price Range (S60 2.5T AWD SE MSRP): $51,915
• Price as Tested (MSRP): $51,915
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, AWD
• Engine: 208-hp, 236 lb-ft of torque, 2.5L, 20-valve, DOHC I-5 turbo
• Transmission: 5-spd automatic, w/Geartronic manual mode
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, BA
  
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,576 / 1,813 / 1,428 / 2,715  mm (180.2/ 71.4 / 56.2 / 106.9 in)
• Curb Weight: 1,531 kg (3,375 lbs)
• Tires: P235/45R17
• Capacity (trunk): 394 L (13.9 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 14.1 / 7.3 L/100 km
• Observed Fuel Economy: 13.7 L/100 km
  
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 km comprehensive
• Competitors: Acura TL, Audi A4 3.2 V6 quattro, BMW 325Xi, Cadillac CTS 3.6, Chrysler 300 C AWD, Infiniti G35x, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus IS 250 AWD / GS 300 AWD, Lincoln MKZ,  Mercedes-Benz C280 4Matic, Nissan Maxima, Saab 9-3, Volkswagen Passat 4Motion
  
• Website: www.volvocanada.com