When you purchase a new sportswagon you don't have to choose from an Audi A4 Avant or BMW 3 Touring any longer. Manufacturers like Alfa Romeo (156 Sportwagon) and Jaguar (X-Type Estate) also put up a struggle in this segment. As from now the competitors also have to take this recent creation of Volvo into consideration. The new Volvo V50 comes as worthy successor to the previous Volvo V40. The V50 is rather compact in comparison with its predecessor and has a very successful exterior design.
Our testcar had the 2.0 liter diesel engine under the hood. This engine came into being by a cooperation between Peugeot and the Ford Motor Company. Volvo gives besides the standard version the possibility to choose from three additional equipment levels: Kinetic, Momentum and Summum. The equipment level of this V50 was Momentum and this car was also equipped with the Prestige leather upholstery.
Chassis
With this new compact break the Swedisch manufacturer sticks to its existing designphilosophy. The front is identical to that from the begin this year released S40 and the back of the bodywork reminds inevitable to the bigger V70 and the successful XC90. The vertical mounted rear lights and the deep-cut trunk makes the boot easy to access.
The exterior of the new Volvo V50 opens up many possibilities for personification. There's a lot to choose from regarding the exterior colour. From light, young to dark, more classical colours. Besides you can choose from no less than eight types of optional light metal rims. For enthusiasts of a more sporty style there's also a special Sport Stylingpackage with roof spoiler and sport tailpipes.
Interior
The interior of the V50 is sober but reliable. Just like in the S40 the V50 has the remarkable free centre console which can be ordered in different materials. All operating functions such as airco and radio are integrated on this centre console. The powerful airconditioning can be adjusted seperately for the driver and for the front passenger.
There aren't that much storage spaces. Where back seat passengers rub their head against the sloping roofline in the sedan, there's more than adequate headroom in the wagon. The bodywork is relative high and the tail is as good as vertical which makes the boot of the Volvo easy to access. Boot space is pretty good in the wagon given the compact car's overall dimensions, and the fact there's a full-sized spare tyre under the boot floor. With the back seats down the luggage capacity raises from 417 liter to 1307 liter.
Engine & Performance
The engine is a 2 liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine which is completely made from aluminium with direct injection. It has 136 bhp, which fits perfectly with the driving qualities of this V50. The very newest diesel technology provides a quick response, a minimal emission and a maximum economy. The high torque of 320 Nm is available from only 2000 rpm. The low motor weight adds to a low fuel consumption. This diesel engine is available with a precise and flexible 6-speed manual gearbox.
Fuel Consumption
It is surprising that Volvo succeeded in limiting the fuel consumption. During the test drive we noticed a general fuel consumption of 7,3 liter per 100 km. For a definite sporty driving style the average rose to 8,0 liter. Volvo itself indicates an average of 5,7 liter. This diesel motor has an optimal performance and keeps the emission of harmful substances low. During 2004 a special particular filter will come onto the market.
Driving
The Volvo V50 shares its suspension with the S40. The front wheel suspension is conductive to a sharp and precise steering and allows a relaxed driving on straight as well as on winding roads. Even on the most stubborn unevenness this V50 stays easy to handle. In extreme situations you feel a light understeer tendency, where the front wheels look out for the outside of the curve. You also get retailer-installed power assistance for parking in tight places which works extremely well.
The new Volvo S40 has extremely powerful ABS brakes and the braking power is electronically divided over the rear wheels. The braking system is also equipped with Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA). When the brake pedal is not thread in hard enough, EBA has immediately effect and supplies the brake power needed to stop the car as soon as possible.
Comfort
The new Volvo V50 is a compact sportswagon. The well enclosed seats belong to the most comfortable ones in this segment. The interior at the back is more spacious than in the sedan, espacially as regards the headroom. The motor noise is well repressed, as well as driving noises and whispering of the wind.
As usual Volvo pays very much attention to safety features and also during the development of this V50. In the active safety sphere we noticed four disc brakes, the emergency brake assistance system, crumple zones for frontal collissions, the SIPS-system against sidelong impact and the WHIPS-system against neck injuries for crashes at the rear.
Price & Equipment
The Volvo V50 2.0 D costs standard €24,750. A very sharp price, especially when you compare to its most important competitors: €25,670 for an Alfa Romeo 156 Sportwagon 1.9 JTD (140 bhp) or €28,550 for an Audi A4 Avant 1.9 TDI (130 bhp) or €27,950 for a BMW 318d Touring (115 bhp) or €28,350 for a Jaguar X-Type 2.0 D Estate (130 bhp). The standard version is well equipped, but we prefer the Kinetic version. For an additional €1,600 you get light metal rims and an automatic airco.
Our testcar was a Momentum version (€28,150). This model completes the Kinetic with remote control for radio and cruise control in the steering wheel, an inside mirror which dips automatically, a rain sensor, fog headlights and board computer. Besides the car was provided with the Prestige leather upholstery (€1,050) so that we come to a total price of €29,200. In addition to this Volvo has a whole range of interesting options in the category audio, communication and navigation. But the RDS-radio with CD-player and 4 speakers also belongs to the standard equipement.
Story and images by Vercaemst Grégory.
Specifications
Engine & Transmission
Type Inline 4, 16-valves
Location Front, transversely-mounted
Displacement 1997 cc / 121.9 cu in
Bore 85.0 x 3.35 in
Stroke 88.0 x 3.46 in
Compression ratio 18.5:1
Power 101.4 kW / 136.0 bhp at 4000 rpm
Torque 320.0 Nm / 236.0 ft lbs at 2000 rpm
Drive Front wheel drive
Transmission 6-speed manual
Front brakes Ventilated discs
Rear brakes Ventilated discs
Steering Rack and pinion w/ power assistance
Performance & Fuel Economy
0 - 62 mph 9.6 seconds
0 - 100 mph Not Available
0 - ¼ mile Not Available
Top Speed 210.0 kph / 130.5 mph
EPA city 7,6 l/100 km
EPA highway 4,6 l/100 km
EPA combined 5,7 l/100 km
Our driving 7,3 l/100 km
Dimensions & Weight
Length 4514 mm / 177.7 in
Width 1770 mm / 69.7 in
Height 1452 mm / 57.2 in
Wheelbase 2640 mm / 103.9 in
Front track 1535 mm / 60.4 in
Rear track 1531 mm / 60.3 in
Front tyres 205/55-R16
Rear tyres 205/55-R16
Kerb weigth 1470 kg / 3241 lbs
Max. permitted weigth 1960 kg / 4321 lbs
Seating capacity 5 seats
Trunk volume min / max 417 liter / 1307 liter
Fuel capacity 55,0 liter
Spare wheel Steel spare wheel tyresize 125/85-R16
Price
Available from €24,750 (2.0 D
Base price test car €28,150 (2.0 D Momentum)
Price as tested €29,200
Reply With Quote
