Having had the pleasure of driving Volvo's best over the last few months, I suppose I was becoming a bit spoilt and was developing a sort of 'silver spoon' condition.
When you swap from driving the top of the range S80 executive to this new V50 it is inevitable that expectations could be a little low. How easy it is for impressions and expectations to be wrong! I must say that Volvo has never failed to impress.
So, what was it like? I smile when I recall my first impression of the V50. Foot in through door, swing hind quarters in behind and commence journey to the centre of the earth! Despite the 'bucket' sport seats cradling me beautifully I must have looked like a Munchkin peering over the dashboard to anyone witnessing my first venture in. However, when I found that the seat was on its lowest and furthest-back position I felt quickly relieved. A bit of 'twiddling', pushing and pulling soon managed to achieve the ideal driving position with ease. It is in fact testament to the enormous range of adjustment available to V50 drivers. It matters very little whether you're tall or short, big or small - all shapes and sizes are accommodated with ease. One thing I did feel was a bit odd was the handbrake, which I guess is unchanged from mainland Europe. It is located on the far left hand edge of the centre console, which required a bit of a stretch into territory remarkably close to the passenger's lap. I recommend a diplomatic approach if your passenger is of a nervous disposition.
The 2-litre diesel is superb! True 'dieselophobes' will cringe at the very sound of the 'D' word, but I make no excuses for singing the praises of some of today's modern diesels. Joining a fast-moving M4 was my first chance to tickle the throttle. The overwhelming impression is that of incredible flexibility in each gear from right down at the lowest revs through to just below the red line. A 3rd gear climb up to join the traffic was so smooth and controlled it didn't even beg to be changed-up. Yet, once at the cruising speed, the additional sixth gear makes such effortless, quiet work of a long motorway trip that you feel as though you're in something far more powerful and expensive.
As with the superb V70, the load bay is large, easily accessible and versatile - just what a busy parent needs when handling not only the weekly shop, but all the baby paraphernalia too. The level, flat load bay can also serve as an ideal changing table should the need ever arise, which in my experience with our own kids back at the time, it frequently does!
The V50 is a car that seems happy to be put through its paces. It handles superbly, and doesn't moan at the use of high revs, unlike some diesel powerplants. The low profile tyres and 17" alloys, together with the sport suspension make cornering feel safe and solid. Even when pushed hard, the car 'feels' well within its limits. Nothing seemed to upset the composure and balance, which is so good that you simply forget about it and enjoy the drive. It is one of those cars that you want to get back into just for the fun of the drive, but it never fails to deliver as a practical, all-round family car!
It is refined, smart and solid, satisfying to drive and looks the part!
Nigel Crawford,
Jan 2008
Model Driven:
Volvo V50 2.0D Sport
£20,795 OTR.
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The Ford Kuga
