Performance
The semi-auto gearbox doesn't transform the familiar 2.0-litre diesel, but it does help the smooth, refined unit perform better. Traditional autos are usually slower than well-driven manuals. This is, on paper, also slower (but only by 0.2secs to 60mph). In practice, though, it's the sharper, more driveable of the two.

Why? Because twin-clutch gearboxes always have the next gear you may need pre-engaged, and can snick into it in an eyeblink. Cruising in 6th and need a dash of thrust? You'll floor it in the manual, and waft up to speed. Do the same in Powershift and you'll be down to fifth in a flash.

This gives better response, more meaningful go, in all situations. Typically, the shifts are superb, almost infinitesimal. It even helps to minimise this engine's characteristic lag-response to the throttle; choosing lower gears where possible helps things spin up faster. The overdrive sixth cuts engine revs at speed, too.

The only thing it lacks are paddleshifts. These are seen as the thing to have lately, and with all Volvo's talk of sportiness, it's strange they're not included. Maybe that's out of keeping with the safety focus. Mind you, the computer's logic is good enough for you rarely feel like overriding it.

Ride and Handling
While it's derived from the expensive Focus platform, don't expect the sublime hatch's wondrous handling here. Things are softer, rubberier for Volvo. There's lots of straight-ahead safety stodge in the steering, and you're kept one step further removed from the road surface. This extra insulation does give a very supple and quiet initial ride, though.

It helps make for a sleek enough cruiser, with good refinement and pothole-shrugging-off ability. And, to be fair, being more committed with steering inputs does help wake the chassis up - it's pretty composed and incisive on twisty roads. Safe, too, of course. Just don't expect the sort of tactility you get in a 3-Series. Or, indeed, a Focus.