Volvo expects its new sporty R-Design trim level on its V60 estate car range to be popular with company car drivers.

It will be 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.

The R-Design equipment grade focuses on sportier styling and more dynamic handling, including sports-tuned suspension.

Volvo expects it to become the best-selling grade in the UK V60 range.

Steve Beattie, head of business sales of Volvo Car UK, said: “The V60 is the latest Volvo model to really cause a stir in the fleet market, and this new R-Design version will appeal to user-choosers and fleet decision-makers alike.”

Standard equipment on R-Design includes high-gloss black exterior trim elements, integrated roof rails and twin tailpipe surrounds plus 18-inch alloys.

The cabin features part-leather sports seats, black headlining, sports pedals and a sports leather steering wheel and gear lever.

Also standard are front and rear parking sensors, City Safety autonomous emergency braking and Volvo’s Sensus connectivity system.

An R-Design Pro variant is also available, and is available with all engine/transmission combinations.

This introduces 19-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, active bending headlights with adaptive shadow technology, and puddle lights.

Keyless Drive – entry and engine start – and hands-free tailgate operation are also standard, while a driver’s head-up display is also fitted.

The front seats gain integrated heaters, with power adjustment for the driver’s seat.

Official combined cycle fuel economy for the R-Design models is up to 62.9mpg with CO2 emissions from 119g/km (D4 manual).

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.