VOLVO V50 T5 AWD test

Intro: IT HAS IT ALL TO BE A HIT

The Peugeot 307SW, Series 3 BMW Touring and Audi A4 Avant best look out, the new Volvo V50 is on the seen armed to the hilt not just to provoke but also to take them on. Its weapons, a fresh look, discreet but affirmed and most importantly an all-wheel drive system coupled with a 5-cylinder turbo motor. The cards are on the table, playtime is over. And even though some may think the V50 is playing Russian roulette, know that it can draw faster than its shadow.

Esthetique: LIKE A BIG PLAYER

Like the S40, the V50 inherits the lines of its big sisters, notice that the V50 has a few similar things to those found on the front end of the S60, and at the rear it resembles that of the V70. The family link is thus omnipresent but perhaps too much within the range. All the same the V50 is a smart looking car with its fluid and slender lines. The finish though is still of top-notch quality.

Motorization: EXEMPLARY

Under the bonnet, as we said earlier, is the 5-cylinder turbo engine, which develops 220 horsepower with a torque measuring in at 2304 foot-pounds at 1500rpm, all of this associated with a 6-speed gearbox. This engine, we know and certainly appreciate. It allows for agreeable and exemplary driving.

On the road: SMOOTHER AND EFFECTIVE

As soon as you get on the road, you are impressed by the fact that this mount doesn't bray, absolutely silent this. No complaints for the driving position. The gearbox is fluid and precise. You savour the torque of this horse's five cylinders. Anyway, you feel completely at home inside this estate wagon. On the tighter roads, the V50 takes one the corners with relative ease. However, it does get nervous when asked to change directions to briskly. The suspension feels too soft, and when you link together several tight corners, the comfort does suffer. However, a short bit of straight road between each corner is all the V50 needs to find its balance and continue on serenely and in total safety along these picturesque roads of Majorca. The V50 is an excellent road car, but certainly not a sports car. Once you find yourself on those tiny un-kept roads, the four-wheel drive kicks up its heals. The V50 becomes a bit sportier, and in what may seem a bit paradoxical, the suspension becomes very effective, indeed. The V50 is right at home on the twisty bits and especially if there is a little layer of sand. You are in for some good fun and surprises from this very family like estate wagon. This new V50 T5 AWD is full to the brim with quality. A pleasure to drive, attractive and efficient. Just a few years ago it would have been nearly impossible to say that one had fallen under the beguiling charm of the Swedish carmakers finest efforts, but today we must admit we have. Well-done Volvo!