Another good car from Volvo (Volvo V50)

Member Name: Codfish

Product:	Volvo V50
Date:	04/02/09 (259 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Spacious yet compact, good quality materials and generous spec

Disadvantages: Rattles and Squeeks, Wipers and Expensive Options List

Although I don't own a Volvo V50 my father does and I drive it on a regular bases so have now driven it in most circumstances so can give a good all round picture of the car.

Most of this review is based upon the Volvo V50 SE 1.6D which is a 2008 diesel model. I will however mention a bit more about the rest of the range to make it as comprehensive as I can.

Firstly, for those who don't know the V50 is Volvo's smallest estate. When you think of a Volvo estate you think of the giant wardrobes on wheels that Volvo has built in the past but nowadays they make some of the best looking cars around. The V50 is no exception. It is about the same size as a Ford Focus Estate or VW Golf Estate, so not massively spacious but easily comfortable for four decent sized adults and five at a push, which we found out last time I used it. The boot is a decent size but not massive. Easily capable of swallowing up plenty of luggage or a couple of Labradors which is where the standard dog guard becomes very useful which comes on all models.

Now as with most cars these days, there are lots of models starting with the basic 'S' model which actually comes with a lot of standard kit including Alloy Wheels, Climate Control, Computer, CD Player with Aux input, Traction and Stability control and an array of airbags to protect you and your passengers.

The 'SE' model adds bigger 17" alloy wheels as opposed to the 16" 'S' models, front fog lights, nicer trim, Cruise Control and steering controls for the stereo.

The 'SE Lux' adds electric door mirrors and seats which are also leather.

Next in line is the 'R-Design Sport' and 'R-Design Sport SE' which are spec'd similarly to the 'SE' and 'SE Lux' respectively but also have a sportier look and design for those who want to drive more eagerly.

As with a lot of premium cars these days there are many options you can add to your car if you so wish but all models are equipped generously.
There are a number of engines also available to cater for every ones tastes and budget and in these credit crunch times I will start with the Diesels. There is a choice of 3 diesel engines starting with the 1.6D which has 109ps (PS being a similar value to BHP). Next up is a 2.0D with 139ps and top of the range is a 180ps D5 model for those wanting speed and fuel economy. Petrol wise, they start with a 1.6 100ps model, a 1.8 125ps and then a 2.0 145ps model. Finally a range topping T5 model is available punching out 230ps which will see you get to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds should you have the need for speed.

I have only driven the 1.6D so will speak about that. So far, I can't see much of a need for the 2.0D because the 1.6D is an excellent all rounder. It's no speed machine but will see 60mph in 11.5 seconds and go onto 118mph should you need to escape a tsunami or something equally urgent. But as with all diesels, the torque of a diesel engine makes it feel like a much more powerful car. You don't have to work the engine hard to make good progress and overtaking is relatively effortless. Even with the car 5 up, little difference can be felt in performance. It really is an excellent all rounder. It is also extremely quite in the car until you get to around 3500rpm when it becomes a bit rattly but keep it under that which you never need to go over really and all is well and it will quickly pull you, your family and luggage up to motorway speeds. Best of all is the fuel economy. My father's general fuel economy has so far been around the low 40's for local town driving and around 55mpg on a recent motorway trip doing fast motorway speeds, which for a decent sized car is very good for your wallet and the environment.

As for how the car is to drive, it is a typical Volvo. I have driven an S80 and V70 T5 in the past and they are all very similar. They are very smooth and quiet and comfortable on a long run and hold their own in the corners. Anyone looking for a sporty drive will be a little disappointed but anyone else will not as it handles very well with little body roll and has very supportive seats that hold you well even if you're 6'4" and 18 Stone like myself. It's a very safe drive which is what Volvo is all about after all.
Inside the car things are very stylish and look like they belong in a much more expensive car. There are neoprene feeling seats and a lovely soft steering wheel which makes me want the car on its own! Although not particularly exciting to look at the interior is well finished in good quality materials and even has a floating centre console which means you can put your CD's etc behind it out of the way. A very nice touch! There are plenty of cup holders and nice arm rest with two storage compartments and your auxiliary port built in. There is also a centre armrest in the back of the car providing know one is sitting in the middle. If there is you will have to use them to rest your arms on I'm afraid! All of the controls are extremely well laid out from the radio and cruise controls on the steering wheel to the climate controls on the console which allow you to heat driver and passenger separately to get rid of those nasty hot/cold arguments we all have. The stereo itself is very good. It won't win any awards but there are plenty of good quality speakers providing you with a decent sound. Real music lovers may however, want to upgrade to one of the two high performance stereo options available on the V50.

The boot as mentioned before comes as standard with a removable dog guard and is easily big enough for 3 or 4 medium sized suitcases, though for a bit family trip you may struggle without a roof box. There is a blind style, retractable parcel shelf which reels back to give you space to place your shopping deep within the boot and the seats also fold down should you need some extra space for that trip to the tip on a Sunday morning.

Now how much is this car going to cost you? Well there are used examples around from 5or6k upwards but even new this car is available in basic 'S' trim with the 1.6 Petrol engine for around £15995. As I said earlier, my father has the 1.6D SE with metallic paint and the optional Spartacus Alloy Wheels which are a no cost option and nicer than the standard wheels so I would recommend them! His car came in at around the £20k mark and you can get the various models at prices around these up to the top of the range T5 model which comes in at a not too cheap £25k. But be very careful of adding too many options to any of the models because you could end up adding thousands very easily and making what is a pretty good value car an extremely overpriced one!

Whichever you buy you are getting a premium quality family car for very little premium in price over mainstream rivals such as the Focus and Golf, which looks good and drives very well and most of all makes you feel important whilst keeping your family safe and secure on your journey. To make it even better value Volvo are currently offering 3 years free servicing to help you on your way.

There is very little I have against this car, but there are a couple of things I would like to mention which should be looked out for. Firstly, it has developed a couple of small rattles and squeaks around the dash. It's not a major problem, but is irritating when you are in a new car and also the wipers at the front seem to leave the windscreen quite smeared and no amount of washing and wiping even by hand will clear it. I'm sure a quick visit to the dealer would rectify this but a little disappointing on an otherwise excellent car.

I would recommend this car to anyone, and would love one myself. Just which one should you choose?

Summary: An Excellent, Premium Family Estate

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