While the Volvo V50 has an aging design, the car manufacturer is still making the Volvo V50 with exceptional safety features. The Volvo V50 is a wagon offering with a style that is older than the Volvo S40 and its platform dates to 2003. Yet, the Volvo V50 has aged well and like a fine wine, it still holds a lot of appeal.
The Volvo V50 is a bit small but offers a lot of cargo space. The rear seats are moderately scaled and the vehicle is a combination of attractiveness and practicality. The Volvo V50 offers the comfort and practicality of the larger sedans, and meets the established standards of excellence set forth by the Swedish carmaker in all of its vehicles.
The Volvo V50 is offered in two types including the 2.4i 160 hp motor or the T5R Design turbocharged 227 hp joined to a five speed tranny. The vehicle's T R Design has a six speed manual or five speed automatic tranny. Several new packages have been designed for the Volvo V50 to expand its features.
The Range
Bodystyles: Wagon
Engines: 2.4L I-5, 2.5L turbocharged I-5
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic
Models: 2.4i, T5 AWD R-Design
What's New
Standard equipment for the V50 2.4i now includes electronic climate control; options include a navigation system and satellite radio. Standard equipment for the V50 T5 R-Design now includes a standard 6-speed manual transmission. Both T5's gain two-position, adjustable headrests, and are now available with preferred packages that gain a power glass moonroof, keyless ignition, and a power front passenger's seat. Meanwhile, the climate package gains a humidity sensor and an interior air quality system.
Exterior
Volvos are one of those rare brands where the wagon body style often looks better than the sedan. The V50 is no exception, despite its design's age. And to keep it young, last year the T5 AWD received the attractive R-Design treatment, which included a matte silver grille surround, side skirts and front and rear spoilers.
Interior
The hallmark of Swedish design has always been a spare, geometric elegance, and the V50's cabin absolutely nails it. Its centerpiece is the dash panel's slim, waterfall center-stack. We're particularly taken by the 2.4i's optional Nordic Oak wood inlays. Indeed, the only real criticism here is a paucity of space, particularly for second row passengers.
Performance & Handling
Offering a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds, the 168-hp 2.4i is a capable performer in normal traffic -- but no more than that. If you're looking for a little sizzle, look to the T5 R-Design, which sprints to the same speed in an estimated 6.7 for the manual transmission, and 7.1 seconds for the automatic. Moreover, its sport suspension and all-wheel drive grip make it the better handler -- particularly in inclement conditions.
Safety
Neither the NHTSA nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety offer any test data specific to the V50, but data for the similar S40 sedan should provide at least some insight (NHTSA -- five stars for all but driver frontal impact (4 stars); the Insurance Institute gives it a mix or ‘good' and ‘average' ratings). As with the S40, the V50 includes Volvo's standard Automatic Hazard Warning System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System, while Blind Spot detection is optional.
EPA Fuel Economy
2.4i: 20 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic)
T5 AWD R-Design: 20 mpg city/26 mph highway (manual);19 mpg city/27 mpg highway (automatic)
You'll Like
- Extra cargo space
- Delightfully Scandinavian interior
- Easy maneuverability
- Thoughtful safety features
- T5's AWD grip and sports suspension
You Won't Like
- Modest rear-seat space
- Aging platform
- 2.4i's unremarkable acceleration
- The T5 R-Design's questionable value proposition
Sum Up
Volvo's cheapest - and most compact - wagon
If You Like This Vehicle
- Volkswagen Passat Wagon
- Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
- Subaru Outback