Alternative review of Volvo V50

There's a lot to like about Volvo estates. They have a reputation for excellent durability, they give off an image of refined practicality and they aren't too flashy. The latest V50 model has taken over from the V40 model and is a quantum leap forward over its rugged but rather unsophisticated predecessor. Small estates like this have traditionally had a hard time finding favour with British customers and the rise in popularity of MPV people carrier style vehicles means that Volvo may still have its work cut out even with a product as good as the V50. It's a sweetly styled thing, looking much like a V70 that's been treated to a hot wash. Some of the detailing around the car has obviously had a great deal of time and effort lavished on it. I think the V50 will suit me very well.

One thing the V50 will never be, despite its myriad of clever features, is a full-on load lugger. As much as I dislike the word when it appears in manufacturers PR copy, the V50 appeals to the 'lifestyle' crowd; those twenty and thirtysomethings with active hobbies but who want to project the right image when they arrive. Volvo are quite upfront about the V50's limited carrying capacity, gladly pointing those in need of more taxing load lugging requirements in the direction of the chunky V70 estate. At the front of the latest model, the chrome-framed 'egg-crate' grille has been reprofiled and features a bigger Volvo badge while clear lensed headlights, LED tail lights and a wider air intake give the car some more presence. The interior benefits from revised controls while the centre tunnel storage area features a smaller handbrake and a revised armrest for better driver comfort. Better cupholders, bigger door bins and an auxiliary input for the stereo under the armrest are all included. Volvo claim the V50 is designed to go head to head with cars like the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Audi A4 Avant, although pricing will pit it closer in reality to the Alfa 159 Sportwagon in a niche just below these premium models. It's a wise choice and at first glance, the Volvo manages to marry the bulletproof feel of the top German cars with a keen price.

Volvo has always rolled out a wide array of engines to accompany the V50. So it is that customers can choose from 1.6 petrols and diesels, 2.0-litre petrols and diesels or the 2.5-litre turbo petrol unit in the T5. These days, the diesel engines are branded according to their power outputs. The economical DRIVe model has 108bhp and the D2 uses the same 1.6-litre engine but with 113bhp. Above that are the 2.0-litre five-cylinder D3 and D4 diesels with 148 and 175bhp respectively.

The Volvo V50 is an extraordinarily easy car to live with. As long as you don't take the sporting credentials of the T5 version too seriously nor expect any of the V50 models to offer serious carrying ability you shouldn't be disappointed.

TOP 5 V50 DEALS

The results below show the top V50 deals on buyacar

Volvo V50 DRIVe [115] SE Edition 5dr Diesel Sportswagon
Price £21,328 Read V50 Reviews	Save £2,417
Volvo V50 D2 [115] ES 5dr Diesel Sportswagon
Price £19,568 Read V50 Reviews	Save £2,177
Volvo V50 DRIVe [115] ES 5dr Diesel Sportswagon
Price £20,008 Read V50 Reviews	Save £2,237
Volvo V50 DRIVe [115] SE Lux Edition 5dr Diesel Sportswagon
Price £22,208 Read V50 Reviews	Save £2,537
Volvo V50 D3 [150] R DESIGN Edition 5dr Diesel Sportswagon
Price £22,837 Read V50 Reviews	Save £2,608
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