2005 Volvo V50 Review

Specifications

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The sun was shining as usual in Costa Del Sol, Spain, an ideal backdrop for the introduction of Volvos much anticipated V50 Sportswagon.

Its an elegant design, similar to the stylish V70 that has done much to alter North American perceptions about the once stodgy Swedish brand and station wagons in general. Now, much because of Volvo, its cool to drive a wagon. Its a sign of offbeat practicality, the embodiment of priorities independent of overindulging SUVs that often care little of the surrounding environment, or so the wagon mindset is often portrayed.

As I get older, now with a third child added to my home, Im starting to like wagons for the same reasons my parents did. Theyre practical for everyday use and much more amenable to daily driving than large, cumbersome trucks.

Volvos latest in particular, is an example of tidy packaging. While compact in exterior dimensions, its interior is extremely spacious. Ample headroom will be appreciated by the elevated set, while the car feels wider than any alternative Ive tested in this class. The front seats fit me perfectly, with excellent for and aft adjustment for the small to tall among us, while those in the rear wont be compromised unless the front seats are in their rearmost positions. Then its a tight squeeze, although the seatbacks are concave to allow for additional knee room.

The quality of the V50s materials is extremely high, a marked improvement over the outgoing V40. Whether finished in top-tier textured leather, Volvos distinctively stylish man-made T-Tec upholstery, that along with its contrasting stitching and three unique colors appears as durable as any Ive ever seen, or standard cloth, its an upscale environment that will quickly endear itself to those not willing to settle for anything less than a premium experience.

I especially like the upper door panel trim, a thick soft-touch “window sill” perfect for comfortably resting the forearm when in a casual driving mode. The lower panel bends inward, making room for a well-placed lower armrest cum door handle and the requisite power window and remote mirror switches. Theyre integrated into a high-tech aluminum trim piece, or if wood is more your thing an authentic feeling but environmentally friendly dark faux woodgrain.

This door trim matches my favorite V50 design element, a sensually stylish floating center stack that appears as if made by home audio mavens Bang & Olufson. Its thin like a plasma screen TV, with an integrated interface that appears like a high-grade remote control. Here the majority of ancillary functions can be actuated, with 1 through 9 presets for the radio and Euro-only cell phone at the top, a circular video game style navigation control at center, surrounded by various buttons for the trip computer and preference settings, and Volvos highly intuitive pictograph actuated automatic climate control system at bottom. Four large circular dials surround the thin “remote,” the top left for audio power and volume, top right for radio tuning and bass, mid, treble, side-to-side balance and front, rear speaker fade settings, while the two dials at the bottom, starting at the left, are for the climate systems fan speed or auto setting, and at right, temperature. I really like the way this is laid out, most of the buttons and dials are large enough to use with gloves (the Swedes understand cold weather), and its gorgeous to look at. I can see prospective customers falling for the V50 just because of the floating center stack.

Volvo hasnt decided yet, but it may offer another option for this customizable interior, a clear dark gray plastic dubbed IcedAqua. It exposes the inner electronics, an iMac approach that could prove quite popular. British expatriate Guy Burgoyne, the cars chief interior designer mentioned the company was looking at alternatives to the dark plastic, such as multiple colors and possibly back lighting, what could be an even more individual approach to interior customization. I like where Volvo is going with this, a removable faceplate philosophy proven quite popular among laptop, PDA and cell phone buyers in recent years.

Customization, exterior and exterior design and quality arent the only attributes that set the V50 apart as a premium product, its also a talented drivers car. Volvo has found an excellent compromise between a compliant ride, important for its family car values, and a sporting demeanor. The V50, even in base 2.4i trim, delivers impressive road manners when pushed hard, carving up the spectacular Spanish mountains without breaking a sweat.

In this guise the 168-hp inline 5-cylinder engine is more than competent, especially when mated to the standard 5-speed manual transmission, having 166 lb-ft of torque at its disposal to move a mere 3,142 pounds of curb weight, plus passengers and baggage. As an alternative, an optional 5-speed automatic with Geartronic manual-mode sequential shifting is available for those who spend more time in traffic than on the open road.

While the base model is impressive, enthusiasts will find the brands top-tier V50 T5 even more enticing. A turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder makes up to 220-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, standard in front-wheel drive or distributed automatically between the front and rear wheels via an electronically controlled Haldex all-wheel drive power transfer system.

The standard transmission, which was initially developed for Volvos ultra-hot S60 R and V70 R, features six forward gears for superior performance. Like the 5-speed unit, its about as smooth shifting as manuals get, while the clutch is light, but not overly so. The top model will offer an optional 5-speed automatic gearbox as well, which like the base engine also features the Swedish manufacturers Geartronic sequential mode.

I took the opportunity to drive all available engines, including the awesome PSA built 2.0-L 4-cylinder turbodiesel (that may be coming to the U.S. if dealers get enough requests), and found a variety of flexible, enthusiastic powerplants. The T5 is obviously the most energetic, charging forward with an unexpected surge of urgency right off the line. I tried it in both 6-speed manual trim, a smooth, short-throw shifter that begs to be rowed through the gears over and over again, and the 5-speed Geartronic. This last component is a pretty sophisticated piece of machinery, featuring adaptive logic if kept in drive. It shifts smoothly, spinning freely to redline if called upon or alternatively, shifting low in the rev range to optimize fuel when getting there quickly is low in priority.

I wouldnt have any problems living with the North American base unit either. It wasnt too long ago that 168-hp would have been deemed a real racer, with cars like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 making less. But times have changed and competition in this class has heated up, making more powerful engine options imperative for a models success.

Keeping all the power under control is an adaptation of Fords C1 world chassis architecture, which together with its new body is 34 percent stiffer than its V40 predecessor. Although longer and wider, the V50 employs much the same strut and multi-link suspension system that will be feature in Fords upcoming Focus and Mazdas new 3. The new V50 uses a control-blade rear arm for added agility and tuned springs and dampers for a firm but compliant ride. I could really feel the rear suspensions passive counter steering capabilities when pushing it hard, something Volvo has built into the new car to counteract skidding. As important the four-wheel disc brakes are excellent, with great feel and extremely short stopping distances thanks to standard ABS and electronic brake force distribution, plus stability control.

Having driven a lot of sport utility vehicles lately the V50s road manners were especially appreciated, but its sporty character doesnt come at the expense of practicality. Altogether the new wagon delivers 14.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats up, and with the split seatbacks folded flat an impressive 46.2 cubic feet of volume is available. As large as the new car is inside, the outgoing V40 boasted 50.0 cubic feet of total cargo space. This may have more to do with its front and rear seat capacity, more commodious than the old car.

Safety considerations are always high on the values list for Volvo customers, and despite the new models sporty character the automaker made a point of stressing over and over that the new V50 have been built with safety as a first priority. To that end Volvo even went to the extent to reduce the size of the cars engines, allowing for greater crumple zone space and therefore increased protection in case of an accident. Volvo also includes its WHIPS whiplash protection system, highly regarded as the most effective technology for reducing whiplash often caused by an accident from the rear. Volvo also adds SIPS side impact protection, which includes the addition of side airbags and a body that is stiffened in key areas. Airbags have been included all round, making the V50 one of, if not the safest compact wagons available.

I personally like the optional integrated child seats that fold into the rear seat cushions when not in use. I know from experience that these seats are especially handy for older toddlers, or when a friend joins your child for an impromptu play date.

So what does it cost? There are no firm prices as of yet, but Volvo is saying not to expect it to be that much more than the current V40s $25,700 base price, despite the new cars many upgrades. That would price it well under rivals from Audi ($28,750), BMW ($30,800), Lexus ($30,805), Mercedes-Benz ($34,150) and most likely Jaguars X-Type Estate that has yet to be officially priced. The new Dodge Magnum ($23,595) could pose a remote threat, but is much larger and heavier, targeting a very different audience.

What about Volkswagens Jetta and Passat wagons? They are popular albeit not in Volvos premium league, with the smaller Jetta starting at $18,430 and slightly larger Passat at $22,780. This said they dont offer the same level of standard equipment or prestige.

The V50s biggest opponent might be Saabs 2005 9-2, which pulls all of its componentry and the back half of its body styling from the Subaru WRX wagon - the reason why it has been nicknamed the “Saabaru.” It will be interesting to see how it is received into the market, being that its economy car roots are hard to ignore.

In the end Volvo has created something highly desirable in the lower premium price range, a car traditional European economy car enthusiasts can aspire to. It performs very well, features exemplary build quality and a well thought out interior design. At least as important when it comes time to purchase, the V50 looks wonderful. I would be surprised if it didnt become as popular in its category as the V70 is in the midsize premium class.