Much like the S40 T5, this car can be had in either front- or optional all-wheel drive. Power runs through a six-speed manual on the T5, and a regular five-speed manual on lower-rated powerplants. A 5-speed automatic with Geartronic manual mode will also be available.
 |
| Volvo has chosen smaller engines for the V50 to maximize crumple-zone safety protection. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada) |
If there's one thing to note about all the engines, it's that they're all fairly small. Volvo has chosen smaller power units to maximize crumple-zone
safety protection. The transversely mounted engines are 200 mm narrower than in the 40-series cars, allowing for 150 mm of buffer room towards the rear of the compartment. Add this to WHIPS whiplash protection, SIPS side impact protection (side airbags, stiffened frame), plus airbags all around, and it looks like finding a safer compact wagon might be difficult. Adding to the safety front, the V50 integrates child seats in the rear seat cushions, which fold up into the rear bench. These are truly handy for parents with three kids, some of which are toddlers, as they take up less room side-to-side than aftermarket child safety seats allowing three children to sit adjacent to each other with less crowding. They're also really convenient.
 |
| The Volvo V50's interior will be very similar to that of the new S40. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada) |
Below the cabin the V50 uses Ford's C1 world platform, that along with its new body is 34 percent stiffer than its V40 predecessor. Though stretched, it employs the same strut and multi-link setup pioneered with Ford's newest Focus. Its control-blade rear arm allows for extra agility while tuned springs and dampers reportedly keep the ride firm but not overly harsh. What's more, the rear suspension provides some passive steering to counteract skidding tendencies. The V50 will also be equipped with four-wheel discs, ABS and electronic brake force distribution, plus a state of the art stability control system.
For those who have seen the interior of the new S40, the new V50 will be of little surprise. It maintains the same innovative ergonomically designed floating centre console that's looks as functional to use as it's beautiful to look at. Headlined by the top-mounted stereo hi-fi unit with telephone (the phone not available in Canada unfortunately), with the bottom half the climate control system, the interface is also intelligent turning off all warning signals from incoming calls and pages during aggressive driving, such as overtaking or while engrossed in heavy cornering.
