What Is It?
2004.5 Volvo S40 T5 AWD and 2005 V50 T5 AWD
What's Special About It?
In spite of the befuddling popularity of SUVs, all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons are big now, with everyone from Infiniti to Mercedes-Benz offering this technology in their lineups. Volvo has had AWD available for some time now, in the former S70 sedan (since replaced by the S60) as well as its popular V70 XC wagon. The carmaker wasted little time bringing this option to its just-redesigned 2004 S40 sedan and 2005 V50 (replaces previous V40) wagon.
As with its front-wheel-drive counterparts, the S40 and V50 are available with a choice of five-cylinder engines, both which sport variable valve timing. Base cars get a 2.4-liter unit with 168 horsepower while the performance-oriented T5 versions have a 2.5-liter turbocharged mill that cranks out 218 ponies. The turbocharger is a low-pressure design, which gives more power at lower revs, where you need it the most.
If you want the AWD, however, you must go with the T5. Hey, that's not so bad — Volvo claims that the V50 T5 AWD can sprint to 60 mph in under 6.5 seconds, beating higher-profile sport wagons such as the Audi A4 (1.8t and 3.0) and the BMW 325iT. A six-speed manual transmission comes with the T5, while a five-speed automatic gearbox is optional.
As expected, the all-wheel-drive system is electronically controlled, and automatically feeds power to the wheels that have the most grip.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Those who want all-wheel-drive traction with compact sport sedan performance now have another country's product to consider — Sweden. — John DiPietro
2004.5 Volvo S40 T5 AWD and 2005 V50 T5 AWD
What's Special About It?
In spite of the befuddling popularity of SUVs, all-wheel-drive sedans and wagons are big now, with everyone from Infiniti to Mercedes-Benz offering this technology in their lineups. Volvo has had AWD available for some time now, in the former S70 sedan (since replaced by the S60) as well as its popular V70 XC wagon. The carmaker wasted little time bringing this option to its just-redesigned 2004 S40 sedan and 2005 V50 (replaces previous V40) wagon.
As with its front-wheel-drive counterparts, the S40 and V50 are available with a choice of five-cylinder engines, both which sport variable valve timing. Base cars get a 2.4-liter unit with 168 horsepower while the performance-oriented T5 versions have a 2.5-liter turbocharged mill that cranks out 218 ponies. The turbocharger is a low-pressure design, which gives more power at lower revs, where you need it the most.
If you want the AWD, however, you must go with the T5. Hey, that's not so bad — Volvo claims that the V50 T5 AWD can sprint to 60 mph in under 6.5 seconds, beating higher-profile sport wagons such as the Audi A4 (1.8t and 3.0) and the BMW 325iT. A six-speed manual transmission comes with the T5, while a five-speed automatic gearbox is optional.
As expected, the all-wheel-drive system is electronically controlled, and automatically feeds power to the wheels that have the most grip.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Those who want all-wheel-drive traction with compact sport sedan performance now have another country's product to consider — Sweden. — John DiPietro
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