Full details of the Volvo XC60 have been announced with the Swedish marque claiming the small SUV is its best car yet.

The challenger to the BMW X3 looks competitively priced with the Volvo XC60 range costing from just £24,750, while the cheapest BMW X3 starts at £29,415.

Volvo is renowned for its attention to vehicle safety, so its claim the Volvo XC60 is its safest ever car is noteworthy.

As well as its strong body, numerous airbags and anti-skid electronics it features an award-winning piece of new technology called ‘City Safety system’, a collision avoidance device which can apply brakes automatically.

Three engines will be available: 161bhp and 182bhp 5-cylinder turbocharged diesels and a 3-litre, 6-cylinder turbocharged petrol with 281bhp.

Specification levels are denoted by S, SE and SE Lux. The S spec is diesel-only and features 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, roof rails, rear spoiler, climate control, entertainment centre, cruise control, leather steering wheel and CD player with MP3 jack.

From £26,250, SE adds hill descent control, electric driver’s seat with memory, power door mirrors, upgraded interior textiles, auto dimming rear view mirror with compass and chrome trim around side windows. It’s available with the 3-litre petrol engine too.

The range-topping SE Lux starts at £28,750 and adds chronographic instrument dials, leather upholstery, wood trim, electric and heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, active headlamps which turn into corners, power tailgate and rear parking sensors.

The Volvo XC60 is due to arrive in UK showrooms in October, but you can get a sneak preview at the London Motorexpo next week in Canary Wharf. We’ll be there, so be sure to check back for all the latest news from the show.