Someone a long time ago told me that Volvo means "rolling."

It certainly is an apropos name for the Swedish carmaker because, given its long list of new cars over the past year, it is nothing if not rolling right along.

Not long ago, Volvo introduced the elegant XC70 and V70 wagons for the 2008 model year. Just before that, the chic little Volvo C30, a small, sporty coupe, made its debut.

Now comes the XC60, a small, lavishly equipped SUV that will be the company's entrant in the hotly contested, fast growing premium small SUV market. Look for the XC60 to compete with the likes of BMWX3, Audi Q5, Acura RDX, Volkswagen Tiguan and the upcoming Cadillac CTS wagon.

The XC60 can't be mistaken for anything but a Volvo, with a contemporary grille that looks like other Volvo cars, along with hints of styling along the flanks that are shared with everything else Volvo makes.

The "Small Premium Utility" segment is growing quickly. Within the next few years, buyers will have at least 10 crossover models to choose from. By 2009, this segment is expected to expand by 75 percent to 443,000 units.

Every car has a technology feature to tout, and for the XC60, its the City Safety program, a system that assists drivers in reducing the effects of low-speed accidents that occur often in city traffic or avoiding those accidents altogether. If the XC60 is about to strike the car in front of it and the driver doesn't react, the car puts on the brakes automatically.

The new XC60 will be available in the United States with Volvo's six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 281 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard on all variants. It comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

If you're trying to figure out just how large the XC60 is, it's 7.9 inches shorter than the XC70 and lower than the XC90.

Volvo's engineers developed the XC60's chassis settings for aggressively sporty handling that promotes a feeling of safety and control. At the same time, the suspension has been tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable ride befitting a luxury crossover.

I expect prices to begin somewhere between $32,000 and about $40,000.

For many people, when they hear the word "Volvo," they instantly think "station wagon." And no wonder. Over the years, thousands of upwardly mobile couples and families have made Volvo wagons their top choice for transportation.

The entrants for this year are the XC90 and XC70, two lavishly equipped, comfy and safe wagons that have been dramatically redesigned.

For those of you who don't understand the difference between the two, remember that the XC90 is equipped with all-wheel drive, compared with the front-wheel-drive XC70. There are small cosmetic differences between the two as well.

But have no fear. All of the qualities that were part and parcel of these popular Volvo wagons for years are still very much in evidence: "Sink in and enjoy them" leather seats, a certain solid feeling that's difficult to describe and of course, safety features out the tailpipe to give you a sense of impenetrable security.

They do rely somewhat on styling cues of the past -- a square-shouldered profile, a Swedish spareness and elegant, timeless, straight-edged styling cues.

The rear glass extends further down than the side windows for improved visibility.

The two cars share a 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 236 pound/feet of torque, which is standard. Mated to the engine is a six-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission that enables the driver to shift manually when desired. The XC70 comes standard with all-wheel drive to ensure the best possible road grip in all situations. The new electronic Hill Descent Control (HDC) uses the vehicle's brakes and engine torque to crawl in bottom gear on steep downhill slopes.

One of the most interesting features on the two cars is a new height-adjustable integrated child booster cushion -- a world first -- with an extended inflatable curtain. Volvo officials hope that children will be more inclined to use them because they look more "grown up" when used with car seats.

The extensive list of safety features also includes the next-generation whiplash protection system, dynamic stability and traction control, tire pressure monitoring system and enhanced impact protection for pedestrians and cyclists.

Options available for the first time on the XC90 and XC70 include adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support to the blind spot information system and personal car communicator with keyless drive, two-way car communication and heartbeat sensor.

Inside you'll find "ortho-posture" supportive seats and ergonomically designed instruments including an elegant, super slim center stack. The rear seat splits 40/20/40 offering the flexibility of seating for three or two outboard passengers separated by a wide armrest. Backrests can be folded separately to create a larger load compartment with an entirely flat floor.

Prices range between $26,815 and $31,565. Fuel economy is 19/27.