V50 2004 | Volvo | Car Reviews

Volvo V50 (2004 - )

Classy-looking compact estate with very good ride comfort and tidy handling. A fine long-distance cruiser. The UK's most popular Volvo.

Not everyone gets on with the floating dashboard. Boy Racer packages like the expensive R pack not suited to Volvo clientele. Expensive problems with diesels more than 3 years old.

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INSURANCE: This car is in insurance groups 7–15. Find out more here »

ROAD TAX: This car is in VED bands A–L. Find out more here »

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USED PRICES: How much should you pay for a second-hand Volvo V50? »

Introduction

Last year I wrote a rave review of the new Volvo S40. It was the first time for a long time a car had exceeded all my expectations. That test covers the 170bhp and 220bhp 5- cylinder automatics, so if they are the engine and gearbox combinations you are interested in, you'd better read it after this.
Here I look at the new Ford/PSA 2.0 litre diesel version of the V50, which is anticipated to account for 50% of V50 sales, and the All Wheel Drive 220bhp V50 T5, which arrives later in the year.

There's no doubt it's a gorgeous looking car. Like the Audi A4 B6 Avant which is its most direct competitor, the V50 has even more eye appeal than the saloon. It's attractive from all angles; beautiful at the front, neat at the side and butch at the back.

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Last updated 27 January 2012

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