No Longer a Wallflower Volvo has wisely redesigned and re-engineered its V40 wagon for 2005. It was failing to stand out among a backdrop of
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| Volvo has wisely redesigned and re-engineered its V40 wagon for 2005, and renamed it V50. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
premium wagons such as the Audi A4 Avant,
BMW 3-Series Touring, Jaguar X-Type Estate and
Mercedes-Benz C-Class . Volvo's wagon - now called the
V50 - is no longer a wallflower in the highly popular segment of premium compact wagons. Apart from its familial nose and trademark D-pillar mounted taillights, the V50's exterior lines have become rather un-Volvo-like and every bit as clean and sleek as those defining the A4 Avant. The V50's home run-design isn't limited to just the exterior, as it rounds the bases inside the five-seat cabin as well. Volvo has always impressed me with its distinctive, highly functional and attractive interior architecture. The materials in use, such as the genuine aluminum-trimmed centre stack, impart a positive tactile experience save for some typically hard-molded plastic on the lower portion of the doors. I particularly like the grouping of controls on the centre stack managing the
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| Volvo has always impressed me with its distinctive, highly functional and attractive interior architecture. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
HVAC and audio needs. Everything in this cluster is straightforward, although the button pattern could be somewhat larger for the myopic among us.In addition to providing occupants with plenty of cranial and limb space, the V50 is capable of hauling items larger than its compact status would suggest. After folding the rear seat backs down, I was duly impressed when my road bike slid unimpeded through the rear hatch into the belly of the beast. Ah, this is perfect, no need to remove wheels or drop the seat, thanks to a maximum cargo capacity of 1,307 litres (42.6 cu ft). Bonus #2 followed the effortless bike loading - respite in seats more therapeutic than a registered masseuse, and much welcomed after a rain-filled training ride.