One might look at the pricing on the V50 and say, "Wow! That's a lot less than what BMW or Audi wants for their compact wagons." Um, well, yes, and, no.
From a features (especially safety) standpoint, no doubt, the V50 stacks up well against the BMW or the newly updated Audi A4. Comparably equipped, the two mentioned compact German wagons get to $50k really fast. However, the V50 can't match these two cars in build or material quality and sophistication in the ride and handling department. It really comes down to the ol' "You get what you pay for."
It's more of a fair fight if you shop the Volvo V50 in the emerging premium compacts segment. Newbies such as the said Saab 9-2X Linear ($28,950), Audi's new A3 five-door ($33,550), or even the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz B Class (which will be similarly sized and priced), can't match the Volvo on the value scale.
Add to the facts that these competitors are really five-door hatches, not true wagons, for now, the 2005 Volvo V50 is unique in its class. With generous luxury and safety features, and an athletic platform, the 2005 Volvo V50 is the best driver's car in a Volvo showroom, and genuinely proves that less really can mean more.
- John LeBlanc is an automotive critic and publisher of www.straight-six.com
Just the facts...
Model reviewed: 2005 Volvo V50 2.4i
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, front-drive, five-passenger compact wagon
Engine: Variable DOHC, 2.4-litre V-8, aluminum block and heads
Horsepower: 168-hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 170-lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 1,387 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr: 8.0 seconds
Top Speed: 220 kms/hr
Wheels & Tires: 17 x 8 in. alloy, 205/50 R17
Base price: $32,210
Price as Tested: $37,795
photo:John LeBlanc
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| 2005 Volvo V50 (photo: John LeBlanc) |
It's more of a fair fight if you shop the Volvo V50 in the emerging premium compacts segment. Newbies such as the said Saab 9-2X Linear ($28,950), Audi's new A3 five-door ($33,550), or even the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz B Class (which will be similarly sized and priced), can't match the Volvo on the value scale.
Add to the facts that these competitors are really five-door hatches, not true wagons, for now, the 2005 Volvo V50 is unique in its class. With generous luxury and safety features, and an athletic platform, the 2005 Volvo V50 is the best driver's car in a Volvo showroom, and genuinely proves that less really can mean more.
- John LeBlanc is an automotive critic and publisher of www.straight-six.com
Just the facts...
- Build quality 4/6
- Features 5/6
- Performance 3/6
- Fun-to-drive 4/6
- Overall value 6/6
Model reviewed: 2005 Volvo V50 2.4i
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, front-drive, five-passenger compact wagon
Engine: Variable DOHC, 2.4-litre V-8, aluminum block and heads
Horsepower: 168-hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 170-lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
Curb Weight: 1,387 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr: 8.0 seconds
Top Speed: 220 kms/hr
Wheels & Tires: 17 x 8 in. alloy, 205/50 R17
Base price: $32,210
Price as Tested: $37,795
photo:John LeBlanc
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