Volvo V50 2004 Review

So the S40 and V50, despite what looks like conflicting names, are twins.

The V50 shares the same mechanical package, body basics and position as the S40 at the bottom end of the Swedish brand's line-up.

It sits comfortably alongside the S40, which we rated as the best Volvo – of any type or size – to wear the badge.

The V50 is definitely a wagon, but it's the first Volvo to look more like a car than a box on wheels.

That means a few compromises in the tail end, which isn't as cavernous as past Volvos, but it gives it the extra style points it needs to win people who are looking at the brand for the first time, or through fresh eyes.

The S40 and V50 twins are a major breakthrough for Volvo, helped by some product sharing work with its owners at Ford.

It picks up the basic engineering work from the latest Ford Mondeo – a car which, sadly, is not coming to Australia – but puts a solid Volvo twist into the tale with everything from an in-line five-cylinder engine to its extra safety systems.

The mechanical package is just what you would expect in the class and price, with independent suspension, anti-skid four-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, front-wheel-drive and a choice of gearboxes.

The equipment includes automatic air-conditioning, six-speaker CD sound, alloy wheels, bundles of airbags and a leather-wrap steering wheel.

The V50 choice in Australia is between three models – the basic 2.4, a better-equipped 2.4 SE and the sporty-ish T5.

It's similar to the sedans and prices run from $48,950 to $62,950, although there are options – including a $2150 sunroof.

The SE is emerging as the top seller, in both S40 and V50, and Volvo says Australian sales are running well ahead of predictions.

ON THE ROAD

WE KNEW what to expect with the V50 after our time in the S40. So we expected a lot.

The car delivered in almost every area, apart from the engine response, which means it's going to do well against the prestige compact wagons including the Alfa 147, Audi A4, Citroen C5 and a bunch of others including the British MG.

Our test car this time was a 2.4 SE automatic and the optional sunroof took its price to $55,100.

That looks a lot and it's not cheap when you can get a Camry or Magna with more space for less. But the car is quality.

The SE feels a little softer than the S40 we drove, although that could also be the changes to the tail, but it has a great ride, stops well and – for its class and badge – handles well. It's not a sports car, but grip is good and it's predictable and safe.

The S4 felt more rewarding and we're sure Volvo has big plans for an R-badged hotrod, but the V50 is a family wagon.

The engine isn't all that sharp and sometimes it feels as if the first two centimetres of throttle travel is a dead zone, but the Volvo will get along nicely once it's moving and has solid overtaking punch.

Volvo gives the 0-100km/h sprint time as nine seconds, or 8.3 with the manual gearbox, which is fairly handy. Claimed top speed is 215 for the auto, 220 for the manual.

We didn't like the "geartronic" manual shift action, and the automatic is a bit dozy, but it has five gears and helps the economy.

We were probably influenced by our time in the Audi A3, which ran ahead of the Volvo in our test schedule and has a simply superb six-speed self-shifter.

Load area isn't huge, but it's flexible, with an industry-standard 60:40 split-fold rear backrest.

It also has deep insets on either side of the boot area.

It will easily take a bicycle, the travelling kit for a two-plus-two family, or a big weekend shop.

There's a lot to like and the V50 picks up the good work of the S40.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Volvo has always done wagons well, but this one breaks out of the box to also score on style.