COMPACT estate cars sound like a bad idea from the outset. If you're going to buy a load lugger, why buy one that can't lug much of a load? Logic issues notwithstanding, Volvo managed to turn the genre on its head with the V50, a car that made you want to make multiple trips to IKEA just because of its neat good looks, smart detailing and reassuringly "on message" image.
With a range of decent engines, a great chassis and competitive pricing, the V50 – along with its S40 saloon sibling – made small Volvos attractive once more. A used example is well worth tracking down.
WHAT YOU GET
The V50 rides on the same basic chassis set-up as the Ford Focus C-MAX, the Mazda3 and the Volvo XC50 compact 4x4, as well as Land Rover's latest sub-Freelander baby. That's not to say the V50 is simply a re-bodied Focus as there's vast scope for tuning of individual aspects, so all drive differently.
Volvo haven't skimped when it comes to safety, and they claim the V50 is as good as the flagship S80 saloon. Making a small car as safe as a big 'un takes some doing and in this instance involves creating more space for crush zones, utilising an Intelligent Driver Information System and using four different grades of high-tensile steel for crash protection. Would the V50 look a little sexier with BMW-style flame-surfaced concave flanks? Probably. But side impact protection involves having as much deformation space as possible, which is why the V50 is slab-sided.
All too often we hear about innovations in car design and what we really get is moderately incremental changes. In contrast, the V50, like the S40 model that spawned it, featured a number of styling touches never seen before. The exterior won't get too many pulses racing but the cabin is a delight. Volvo interiors are traditionally odd things. Although they work supremely well, they are often clunkily designed with scant regard for the sort of slickness that separates them from rivals. Here, it's different.
The key design feature is a centre console that's a softly contoured moulding featuring supremely easy-to-use controls and fresh air behind it. Original buyers could specify wood, aluminium, plastic or semi-transparent plastic finishes and everybody who gets in will notice the resulting choice. Overall, the V50's cabin still feels like it's just rolled off a motor show stand. Not what you'd expect from a Volvo estate.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The V50 is impeccably built and owners report few significant problems. Even in the hands of motoring journalists – traditionally some of the most neglectful drivers around – the V50 has proven a doughty counterpart. Look for worn tyres and brakes on the T5 model as these may have been driven hard. If you wear jewellery, it's worth bearing in mind that some of the interior plastics scratch fairly easily.
ON THE ROADWORD
The undemanding lower-powered models are the ones to go for. If you must have something like a T5, don't expect a BMW 3 Series driving experience. This variant feels recognisably Volvo at the wheel with a strong, characterful engine and handling that's safe rather than spine-tingling. The turbocharger runs at a modest level of compression, which means that torque is spread widely across the rev band. Drop the throttle at 1,500rpm in almost any gear and you'll get clean acceleration without any unseemly lunging.
The T5 will notch off the sprint to 60mph in just 6.5 seconds and run on to 150mph. This would seem to promise great things if Volvo ever created a V50R, although recent experience with the S60R tempers the enthusiasm a little. Fast Volvos rarely hit the mark and after sampling the 170bhp 2.4-litre model, there's little to modify that opinion. This engine will still get to 60mph in 7.9 seconds but needs a bit more work to do so. Despite this, it feels more composed than its slingshot sibling.
OVERALL
The V50 is a very enjoyable package, offering a little more utility than its S40 saloon sibling without becoming stodgy. A lively chassis, reliable engines and a surprising dose of design flair makes it a very attractive buy. Residual values are still holding up very well, so don't waste too much time looking for that screaming deal.
