The V50 is propelled by its front wheels, which can be kept in check with Volvo's Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
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| Overall, this vehicle is very well-balanced and predictable when tackling clover leafs or in emergency maneuvers. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
system. If even greater road adhesion is desired, the V50 T5 is available with an electronically controlled, Haldex all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This option includes a firmer sport suspension setup, but my tester was equipped with the standard suspension arrangement, which suited me just fine. It struck a pleasant balance between taut handling and ride comfort. Overall, this vehicle is very well-balanced and predictable when tackling clover leafs or in emergency maneuvers. To generate front-end plow and significant body lean, the V50 has to be pushed unrealistically hard in a corner. Complementing the V50's high level of occupant comfort is the absence of road noise. This really is a very quiet wagon, although wind rush becomes evident as highway speeds are surpassed; consider this an audible warning of sorts. And whether traversing the countryside by highway or the mall by parking lot, comfort can also be gleaned from Volvo's commitment to occupant safety and protection. There is probably no other moderately priced vehicle packing around as much standard occupant protection equipment as the V50.
Its full house of protection begins with a robust safety cage, followed-up with adaptive driver and
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| Whether traversing the countryside by highway or the mall by parking lot, comfort can also be gleaned from Volvo's commitment to occupant safety and protection. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
front passenger airbags, front seat side-airbags and side-curtain airbags effective for both front and rear seat occupants. In addition to three-point pre-tensioning seatbelts at all seating positions, the V50 is equipped with Volvo's Whiplash Protection System, which cradles the head and spine in a controlled way if the car is struck from behind. Given the V50's powerful four-wheel antilock disc brakes, being rear-ended by a slower performing vehicle is a distinct possibility. Volvo has maximized the effectiveness of the V50's binders by providing Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) as standard equipment.
