Volvo has always been the leader in the industry as its foremost estate maker. The Volvo V50 is one of its greatest achievements, offering both practicality and style in its main features. The V50 can be described as the estate variation of the S40, making it a better option against the BMW 3 Series Touring.

Pros

The V50 offers several features ahead of its competitors: from a classic interior, better build material and quality, to necessary standard equipment. The interior’s elegant design sports smooth aesthetics with its switchgear; these elements are balanced by solid additions to the overall look. All seats guarantee comfort and the central console within easy reach for the driver. The model is also friendly to any budget capacity: low running costs are guaranteed via an efficient fuel economy, lesser road tax, and low DRIVe emissions.

Engine options are straightforward and pack enough power whatever your purpose. There’s the 2.0-litre diesel at 149 bhp, the 2,0-litre petrol engine at 143bhp, and the entry-level 1.6-litre diesel at 113bhp. DRIVe models sport the low-emission 1.5-litre diesel engine, which packs in 113bhp. This engine is quite economical, with its 99g/km CO2 emissions and an economy of 74.3 mpg. It’s a notch up from the 1.6-litre petrol’s 100bhp.  The 2.0 litre petrol guarantees a smooth performance even on its 143bhp and is well suited to motorway speeds.

A faster alternative would be the 220bhp of the 2.5-litre T5 and its 6.9seconds of 62mph. If you’re after smooth and consistent motorway driving, there’s the 180bhp D5 engine, which is also found in the V50’s predecessors. Expect to reach 62mph in just 8.0 seconds with an ample return of 45mpg.

Compared to the V40, the V50 boasts of more than enough legroom. Expect to fit about three adults out back; all passengers and drivers will enjoy leather upholstery throughout the ride. All materials found in the gorgeous cabin interior are of top quality. Long journeys are guaranteed with a large load space for families. You’ll have to choose the V50 according to the space you need: some include a folding luggage retainer and four hooks that can carry carrier bags. No need to worry about squeezing in all those groceries after stocking up for a month.

You can continue enjoying the ride thanks to the V50’s five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. Its stiffer body assures better energy absorption, with passenger, driver, and side airbags included with better traction control and stability.

Cons

The DRIVe featured diesel engine, although just like the previous generation’s first and second gears, can’t keep up when going into higher gears. You’ll have to go down a gear when you decide to test the limits of its accelerator.

The V50’s setbacks are prominent on the more difficult and demanding roads. Steering becomes too light and doesn’t provide enough feel. Body roll is maintained but you will still experience a bumpy ride over the uneven and rougher areas. Owners have also reported of electrical issues and reduced engine power setbacks.For the most part, however, most models perform just fine and assure buyers of a generally smooth ride.  

Since its debut in 2004, the Volvo V50 has been a great choice for a compact executive car. Following the tradition of the first generation S40 and V40, the V50 boasts of a new design from the Volvo Cars factory in Belgium. Because of the advanced innovations made to the known company executive Volvo car, this model has gained awards such as the 'World Car of the Year Award' as well as the 'Best New Sport Car Award' from Canadian Car of the Year both in 2005, a year after its release besting rivals like Audi A4 and Honda Accord.

Boasting of style and practicality from the inside out, the Volvo V50 is a good choice as an entry-level car. Though there are cheaper options for a compact vehicle, if one wants a high-quality car, Volvo is a trusted brand. Experiencing improvements in 2008 and 2012, this vehicle is still a great choice for those who value comfort and simplicity. Operating the car is breezy too, with the different trims available. The car is available in petrol and diesel engines, the latter which may come with a six speed automatic transmission. With these features and more, the V50 definitely lives up to its reputation.