Highly Refined Compact Wagon
Volvo's upscale V50 compact wagon emerged from the V40 in 2004 as a 2005 model. The V50 nomenclature reflects the install of a five-cylinder engine in place of the less capable four-banger propelling the V40. For 2008, the V50 nets styling revisions, and in T5 rendition, more ponies.
Interior and exterior tweaks accompany the new engine
To identify the V50's visual amendments one need look no further than its redesigned front bumper and grille work. The new nose adds a little "snarl" to the V50's sleekness while a revised rear bumper and new taillight scheme freshen-up the rear of the compact wagon without compromising its clean lines or smooth body-sculpting.
A newly fashioned centre console and larger door panel storage bins enhance functionality inside Volvo's sleek, premium wagon. I don't think there is a manufacturer of high-end vehicles that produces a more logically designed, straightforward to operate instrument panel than Volvo.
In addition to building automotive interiors of outstanding quality, Volvo consistently manages to create attractive designs that are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing- and the V50 is another example of this execution. The buttons directing HVAC airflow correspond with a diagram of the human form in a seated position. Temperature and fan regulation is managed through a pair of uncomplicated rotary dials.
Temperature and fan settings are clearly indicated on an LCD screen positioned at the top of the centre stack. Adjust either setting, and the entire screen becomes dedicated to the function at hand, making it very easy to see and read the pertinent data. Could things get any simpler?
T5 gets a power boost for 2008
The basic V50 is propelled by a 168 horsepower, 2.4 litre 5-cylinder engine. The "T" in "T5" is in recognition of a turbocharger contributing to the production of 227 horsepower by a 2.5 litre five-cylinder powerplant, which hustles the small wagon quite commendably. This represents a boost of nine ponies over last year's T5 however torque remains the same at 236 foot-pounds @ 1,500 rpm.
Volvo's upscale V50 compact wagon emerged from the V40 in 2004 as a 2005 model. The V50 nomenclature reflects the install of a five-cylinder engine in place of the less capable four-banger propelling the V40. For 2008, the V50 nets styling revisions, and in T5 rendition, more ponies.
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| The V50, Volvo's entry-level station wagon, is based on the S40 sedan. |
Interior and exterior tweaks accompany the new engine
To identify the V50's visual amendments one need look no further than its redesigned front bumper and grille work. The new nose adds a little "snarl" to the V50's sleekness while a revised rear bumper and new taillight scheme freshen-up the rear of the compact wagon without compromising its clean lines or smooth body-sculpting.
A newly fashioned centre console and larger door panel storage bins enhance functionality inside Volvo's sleek, premium wagon. I don't think there is a manufacturer of high-end vehicles that produces a more logically designed, straightforward to operate instrument panel than Volvo.
In addition to building automotive interiors of outstanding quality, Volvo consistently manages to create attractive designs that are as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing- and the V50 is another example of this execution. The buttons directing HVAC airflow correspond with a diagram of the human form in a seated position. Temperature and fan regulation is managed through a pair of uncomplicated rotary dials.
Temperature and fan settings are clearly indicated on an LCD screen positioned at the top of the centre stack. Adjust either setting, and the entire screen becomes dedicated to the function at hand, making it very easy to see and read the pertinent data. Could things get any simpler?
T5 gets a power boost for 2008
The basic V50 is propelled by a 168 horsepower, 2.4 litre 5-cylinder engine. The "T" in "T5" is in recognition of a turbocharger contributing to the production of 227 horsepower by a 2.5 litre five-cylinder powerplant, which hustles the small wagon quite commendably. This represents a boost of nine ponies over last year's T5 however torque remains the same at 236 foot-pounds @ 1,500 rpm.
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| The 5-cylinder turbo engine has matured and now offers 227 hp. |