Review of the new Volvo V50 D3

It's easy to harbour prejudices against Volvo. I know, because I used to dislike the marque with a passion, seeing it as the last bastion of the sanctimonious motorist who derived their joy in driving from the knowledge that in the event of a collision, they would come off best. Then I drove a yellow Volvo 850 T5 and realised that these Swedes did have a bit of spirit. Since then, Volvos may have become a little less outrageous but they have improved as driver's cars. Even what looks to be their least likely candidate for a blat down a twisty B-road - the V50 D3 diesel estate - can bring a smile to your face.

The thing is, this is no ordinary diesel and no common or garden Volvo estate. For a start, Volvo makes no bones about the fact that if you need serious carrying capacity, the V50 isn't going to do the business, steering you instead in the direction of the bigger V70. If instead, you have what marketeers like to term 'an active lifestyle', then the V50 is said to appeal and demographics show that the average age of V50 buyers is even less than the S40 saloon upon which it's based.

The engine is a 148bhp five-cylinder turbo diesel and very impressive it is too. The common-rail fuel injection system uses piezoelectric injectors which make multiple, precisely timed injections of fuel into the cylinders during each combustion cycle. It means that exactly the right amount of fuel is burned for optimum performance and economy. Get a bit sporty with the right boot and you'll see 60mph come and go in 9.6 seconds, although you'll need to be very slick at crashing through the manual gearbox to get anywhere near this time. The 9.7s that's claimed for the Geartronic automatic model will be more achievable for non racing drivers.

"The Volvo V50 looks well equipped to maintain a small but profitable niche for itself"

That's not to say the V50's six-speed manual transmission is in any way obstructive - quite the opposite in fact. The gear ratios are well chosen and the action is positive and precise. As with any turbo diesel car, the strongest performance will come in the middle of the rev-range, when the torque really starts to swell at around 1,500rpm through to 2,750rpm. With a peak figure of 350Nm being asked to shift just 1,500kg down the road, you just know that you're not going to have to work this motor hard to get the best from it.

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.

All too often, we hear about innovations in car design and what we really get is moderately incremental changes. The V50 and S40 models feature a number of styling touches which we've genuinely never seen before. The exterior won't get too many pulses racing but the cabin is a delight. Volvo interiors are traditionally odd things. Although they work supremely well, they are often clunkily designed with scant regard for the sort of slickness that separates them from rivals. Little of the design flair we usually associate with the Scandinavians has traditionally seemed to translate into their cars. The 'spaceball' gear selector showed that Volvo could come up with some neat ideas and the V50 takes the spaceball and runs with it. The key design feature is a centre console that's a softly contoured moulding featuring supremely easy to use controls and fresh air behind it. You can specify wood, aluminium, plastic or semi-transparent plastic finishes and everybody who gets in will notice it.

Five versions of this 2.0-litre diesel-engined V50 D3 are offered. The ES specification model opens proceedings followed by the SE variant. The ES model features 16-inch alloy wheels, a CD stereo, a height adjustable steering wheel, dynamic stability control and electronic climate control. The SE model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, power folding mirrors and front fog lights. If you want to go further, the ritzier R-Design, SE Lux and Premium derivatives really pile on the equipment. As well as the D3 engine, buyers will also find D2 and D4 power options in the V50 range offering less and more power respectively.

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. The slightly smaller size and front wheel-drive mechanicals might put some buyers off.

Aside from the excellent 55mpg fuel economy figure, this V50 emits just 134g/km of carbon dioxide and even the retail price isn't outrageous. The Geartronic gearbox blunts fuel economy a little with 49mpg and 154g/km so owners will need to shoulder higher running costs for the added convenience of an auto.

The Volvo V50 looks well equipped to maintain a small but profitable niche for itself. The 2.0-litre D3 diesel variant may not sound the most exciting choice in the line up, but if tyre-searing performance isn't necessarily a priority, it's well worth taking a look at. With an adequate turn of speed, low running costs, a beautifully tractable engine and a reasonable upfront price, it brings Volvo values to the family motorist who may otherwise have discounted the marque in favour of something less sophisticated.

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
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Volvo V50 D2 [115] R DESIGN Edition 5dr Diesel Sportswagon
Price £21,328 Read V50 Reviews	Save £2,417
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