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The car's position is shown on a map. There's also a digital compass that points the driver in the right direction and, if necessary, the car's hooter and indicators can be used to help find it.

From now on, you don't have to leave your Volvo behind when you park it.

The Swedish automaker has a new mobile application that makes sure a driver can stay in touch with his parked car via an iPhone or Android smart phone, which it claims is the most comprehensive and broadly available application for controlling and monitoring the car from anywhere at any time.

Volvo president Steve Jacoby said: "We design cars around people's needs and lifestyle. Creating an intuitive driver's environment is part of our aim to offer a feeling of relaxed control. It is only logical that you should feel in command of your vehicle - even after you've parked it."

The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call, which originally focused on direct access to a call centre in the event of an accident or other emergency.

Now, the system has been reinvented and owners of all new Volvos (from model year 2012) with Volvo On Call can download the new application to open up a range of connectivity possibilities via an iPhone or Android smart phone.

The mobile app is free and downloaded via the iPhone and Android application stores; it provides an intuitive, easy-to-use relationship with the car from a distance.

Jacoby said: "This is much more than a gadget. The mobile application is the first step in our connectivity strategy. We have started to build a bridge to the future - and the mobile app will be extended with a range of possibilities."

For now, features include:

CAR LOCATER: The car's position is shown on a map. There's also a digital compass that points the driver in the right direction and, if necessary, the car’s hooter and indicators can be used to help find it.

REMOTE DOOR LOCK: The status of all doors and windows is displayed - and the driver can lock and unlock the car with a push on the touch screen.

ALARM: If the car alarm is triggered, the driver is alerted.

DASHBOARD: This gives the driver access to a wide range of information: fuel level, remaining range to empty tank, average fuel consumption, average speed, odometer reading and trip meter reading.

CAR CHECK. The mobile app performs a "health" check of the car, displaying information about bulbs, brake fluid level, coolant level, engine oil level and engine oil pressure.

DRIVER'S LOG: Detailed data of each trip during the past 40 days can be downloaded and stored. There is also a possibility to extract the data as an Excel file - perfect for company-car owners.

VEHICLE INFO: Basic car data such as model, registration number and VIN number are stored and can be displayed.

Looks like we're one step away from "Kitt, come fetch me!".