The New Volvo V50
Published: 4th December 2003
Design, Style And Innovation
The most distinctive and advanced feature of the Volvo V50 is its trendy interior and dashboard featuring a unique, ultra-thin centre stack inspired by the latest premium hi-fi systems, with space behind for storage. For added style, this is available in a variety of distinctive finishes on SE models – transparent ‘Iced-Aqua’, wood effect or real aluminium.
The V50 clearly demonstrates Volvo’s distinctive, modern exterior design with its rounded front profile and V-shaped bonnet swooping down the broad Volvo shoulders to the rear. For added cool, a sports styling body kit will also be available.
The gentle angle of the V50’s tailgate puts greater emphasis on ‘Sports’ than ‘wagon’, with generous interior space and a more athletic stance. The V70 will maintain its position as Volvo's leader in the large, premium estate sector with the ultimate in load carrying ability thanks to its longer bodyshell and more traditional vertical tailgate to maximise interior space.
Further innovation is provided by Volvo’s new ‘IDIS’ – Intelligent Driver Information System – which uses advanced technology to monitor the driver’s level of activity and, if maximum concentration is needed (eg when braking, turning, etc), delays any unnecessary signals and potential distractions, such as incoming telephone calls or non-essential information, until it is safer to do so.
Fun To Drive
The new Volvo V50 has a stable, large car feel, with great handling, thanks to having a wheel virtually at every corner and a 78mm longer wheelbase, up to 63mm wider track, and a 34 per cent stiffer bodyshell than the V40 it replaces. For maximum driver confidence, all V50 drivers have the valuable added control and safety of EBA (Emergency Brake Assistance) plus DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) as standard.
To add to the fun, a new range of four and five cylinder engines provides plenty of power and performance combined with economy and low emissions. The choice of petrol engines starts with a 125bhp, four-cylinder 1.8, with the added luxury and refinement of two five-cylinder engines – a 170bhp, 2.4i and the range topping 2.5 turbo, T5 with 220bhp, a six-speed gearbox which has the option of electronic Haldex All Wheel Drive.
There will also be a new, four-cylinder, 136bhp, 2.0 turbo diesel engine producing 320Nm of torque with a six-speed manual gearbox. This will be available with a particulate filter during 2004.
Volvo V50
Our Volvo V50 Guide lists the full specification of the current UK V50 range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £16,345 - £25,095
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 23
We have road tested the Volvo V50, to read our in-depth car review:
Volvo V50 Review - Mar 2006
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 21st Sep 2008
