Wagons can be cool. The 2019 V60 is lithe, sexy transport with the versatility to carry five people and lots of their stuff.

We've already seen Volvo's excellent Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform at work with the XC90 (aMotor TrendSUV of the Year winner) and the midsize XC60 (aSUVOTYfinalist). We also liked its iteration in the sleek, substantial V90 wagon. Now Volvo has shrunk down its big wagon—that's the "scalable" part—from full-size to midsize.

Although the platform is downscaled, the V60 itself has grown considerably in wheelbase and overall length over the outgoing model, while its lower height makes it stealthy in appearance.

In addition to the traditional 240-hp T5 turbocharged I-4 and 316-hp T6 turbocharged and supercharged I-4 gasoline engines, shoppers in Europe will have a choice of the 340-hp T6 or 390-hp T8 "Twin Engine AWD" gasoline plug-in hybrids. Both hybrids use the twin-charged four-cylinder of the standard T6 but tack on two electric motors to boost performance (although with some weight penalty). Both powertrains have a claimed 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds, while the T5 has a 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds.

On the safety side, the V60 will come with automatic braking and detection systems that recognize pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. On well-marked roads, semi-autonomous steering, acceleration, and braking is possible up to 80 mph. Lane departure and cross-traffic alerts are also part of the safety suite.

Volvo's tablet-sized infotainment system features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G connectivity. Possessing a V60 also will be possible via the Care by Volvo flat-fee subscription service.

The 2019 Volvo V60 will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2019.