VOLVO has launched an R-Design version of the V70.

The package combines sporty visual features with a specially tuned lowered sports chassis and sharper driving characteristics.

Available to order now, the first cars arrive in the UK in August, with prices starting from £26,745 for the V70 2.0 petrol R-Design.

The sports chassis has been fitted with stiffer anti-roll bars and bushings, and a lower ground clearance (20mm at the front, 15mm at the rear) for more direct road contact to deliver more responsive and rewarding steering feedback.

Ekkehard Schwartz, Vice president chassis and vehicle dynamics at Volvo, said: "The big challenge with this project and the R-Design chassis was to combine crisp driving pleasure with Volvo's renowned secure properties in poor road conditions, such as heavy rain or snow. I'm convinced we've found exactly the right balance."