Forget about the days when station wagons had to be big, ugly and, if you were really, uh, lucky, decked out in wood paneling. Today there's a whole breed of small, stylish wagons, ready to meet the needs of young families on the go.
Swedish automaker Volvo is not a new player in the compact wagon market, having introduced its undersized V40 wagon in the U.S. back in 1999. Although the V40 was an adequate performer, the all-new V50, with its more powerful engine and cutting-edge style isn't merely satisfactory; it's a wagon worth talking about.
The V50 enjoys a host of improvements, first and foremost in the performance department. The one and only engine in the outgoing V40 was a turbocharged 1.9-liter four-cylinder rated at 170 horsepower, but the all-new V50 offers a choice of five-cylinder engines instead — a normally aspirated 2.4-liter five-cylinder in the entry-level wagon capable of 168 hp, or a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder in the sportier V50 T5 which produces 218 hp.
Our test car arrived in the top-end T5 trim with the optional shiftable five-speed automatic (replacing the standard manual six-speed gearbox) and optional all-wheel drive. Initially, the V50 T5's weight was cause for concern since a little research showed it had gained nearly 600 pounds over the lighter V40 wagon. Even with a more powerful engine, would it still feel quick and handle as well as the nimble V40? The answer is a resounding yes. Although we were unable to secure instrumented testing numbers, there is no doubt that the V50 is a much more spirited performer than its predecessor.
Strapped in behind the wheel, it's easy to forget that you're piloting a station wagon. As the linear turbo power is released from the accelerator pedal, the old, boring wagon stigmas are stricken from your mind. With its 218 hp, the V50 T5 is already considerably quicker than its closest German wagon competitors — the turbocharged Audi A4 quattro and Volkswagen Passat 4Motion both make 170 hp, while the normally aspirated six-cylinder in the BMW 325xi produces 184 hp. The other factor contributing to the V50 T5's sprightly leap is its 236 pound-feet of torque, which provides even more oomph off the line, making the T5 feel even faster than you might think.
Helping to control the engine's vigor is the favorable combination of the V50's all-wheel-drive system, standard traction control and optional stability control. These systems, along with larger 17-inch wheels, worked together to keep the energetic wagon from breaking loose from the pavement.
The V50 shares a platform with another member of the extended Ford family, the Mazda 3, and like the 3, the T5 is an admirable handler thanks to its sport-tuned suspension. Whether driving through twisty roads or managing tight turns in an overcrowded beach town, the T5 was sporty and tight, with precise, confident steering and a tight turning circle measuring at least a foot shorter than its closest competitor. When it came to actual ride quality, however, there were a few occasions on the freeway when we wished for a little less sport and a more compliant ride, especially when bumping over freeway expansion joints. But if a tad bit of harshness is the price to pay for a more dynamic driving experience, it's worth the trade-off.
The V50 has been much improved mechanically over the very vanilla V40, and fortunately the Swedes didn't stop under the hood. With exterior lines matching its S40 sedan companion, the V50 also has a distinctive, exciting new look and stance. It's wider and taller than the V40, and as a result offers more front and rear headroom than the 325xi, A4 or Passat wagons, as well as class-leading front legroom and rear legroom second only to the VW. Add the Dynamic Trim package for $2,025 (an option included on our test car) and you'll pick up front and rear spoilers, side-sill and lower-door moldings, plus larger alloy wheels — all of which set this wagon as far apart from vanilla as double-Dutch chocolate.
Luckily, the V50 isn't just another pretty face, as its well-appointed interior completes its impressive package. The driver and front passenger alike will find little to complain about in the well-padded bucket seats, and the rear-passenger space is as good as it gets for a wagon of this size. Every touchable surface feels high in quality — with no sign of the cost-cutting that sometimes occurs in entry-level cars. But even with quality and comfort aside, it's the unique interior design that moves the cabin beyond eye-catching. The center stack "floats" on a narrow vertical strip that allows for functional storage space behind it. Housed on the stack is the easy-to-navigate climate control system operated primarily by two large knobs. Beneath it rests the V50's audio system with either a single CD or optional six-disc changer controlled by two additional dials and simple buttons. Both systems are detailed on a good-looking display screen with green graphics, though it unfortunately washes out in the bright sunlight.
But no matter how hip the V50 appears, a station wagon, even a compact wagon is still largely defined by its cargo area. The Volvo's rear hatch is light — easy to fling open or slam closed, and instead of a potentially finger-pinching handle there's a touchpad release disguised at the bottom of the door. Inside, the rear compartment holds up to 14.7 cubic feet of your personal belongings with the rear seats up, or expands to 46 cubes with the seats folded down. In comparison, an A4 holds a maximum of 61 cubic feet, and a 325xi takes on 57 cubes. A pull-across cargo cover comes standard, but its design makes it slightly intrusive in the cargo bay. If you're looking for storage other than in the far back, it's not as easy to come by. The front door bins are super tiny, the rear map pockets are small, and there are no rear door bins to accommodate backseat occupants.
Even though the Volvo may not be able to handle as much cargo as an Audi or BMW, chances are unless you're regularly hauling excessively large items, you won't notice the difference. What you will notice on a daily basis, however, is the dashing exterior style, comfortable, distinctive interior and exciting driving dynamics that make the V50 a wagon you'll be proud to own. And with all of its positive attributes, with a price just above $30,000, the V50 T5 with an automatic transmission hasn't priced itself out of its class. The cost is nearly identical to the Audi's, but is still over $4,000 less than the premium you'll pay for a BMW nameplate. With so much going for it, the new V50 is well worth a test-drive if you're shopping for an upscale compact wagon.
Swedish automaker Volvo is not a new player in the compact wagon market, having introduced its undersized V40 wagon in the U.S. back in 1999. Although the V40 was an adequate performer, the all-new V50, with its more powerful engine and cutting-edge style isn't merely satisfactory; it's a wagon worth talking about.
The V50 enjoys a host of improvements, first and foremost in the performance department. The one and only engine in the outgoing V40 was a turbocharged 1.9-liter four-cylinder rated at 170 horsepower, but the all-new V50 offers a choice of five-cylinder engines instead — a normally aspirated 2.4-liter five-cylinder in the entry-level wagon capable of 168 hp, or a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder in the sportier V50 T5 which produces 218 hp.
Our test car arrived in the top-end T5 trim with the optional shiftable five-speed automatic (replacing the standard manual six-speed gearbox) and optional all-wheel drive. Initially, the V50 T5's weight was cause for concern since a little research showed it had gained nearly 600 pounds over the lighter V40 wagon. Even with a more powerful engine, would it still feel quick and handle as well as the nimble V40? The answer is a resounding yes. Although we were unable to secure instrumented testing numbers, there is no doubt that the V50 is a much more spirited performer than its predecessor.
Strapped in behind the wheel, it's easy to forget that you're piloting a station wagon. As the linear turbo power is released from the accelerator pedal, the old, boring wagon stigmas are stricken from your mind. With its 218 hp, the V50 T5 is already considerably quicker than its closest German wagon competitors — the turbocharged Audi A4 quattro and Volkswagen Passat 4Motion both make 170 hp, while the normally aspirated six-cylinder in the BMW 325xi produces 184 hp. The other factor contributing to the V50 T5's sprightly leap is its 236 pound-feet of torque, which provides even more oomph off the line, making the T5 feel even faster than you might think.
Helping to control the engine's vigor is the favorable combination of the V50's all-wheel-drive system, standard traction control and optional stability control. These systems, along with larger 17-inch wheels, worked together to keep the energetic wagon from breaking loose from the pavement.
The V50 shares a platform with another member of the extended Ford family, the Mazda 3, and like the 3, the T5 is an admirable handler thanks to its sport-tuned suspension. Whether driving through twisty roads or managing tight turns in an overcrowded beach town, the T5 was sporty and tight, with precise, confident steering and a tight turning circle measuring at least a foot shorter than its closest competitor. When it came to actual ride quality, however, there were a few occasions on the freeway when we wished for a little less sport and a more compliant ride, especially when bumping over freeway expansion joints. But if a tad bit of harshness is the price to pay for a more dynamic driving experience, it's worth the trade-off.
The V50 has been much improved mechanically over the very vanilla V40, and fortunately the Swedes didn't stop under the hood. With exterior lines matching its S40 sedan companion, the V50 also has a distinctive, exciting new look and stance. It's wider and taller than the V40, and as a result offers more front and rear headroom than the 325xi, A4 or Passat wagons, as well as class-leading front legroom and rear legroom second only to the VW. Add the Dynamic Trim package for $2,025 (an option included on our test car) and you'll pick up front and rear spoilers, side-sill and lower-door moldings, plus larger alloy wheels — all of which set this wagon as far apart from vanilla as double-Dutch chocolate.
Luckily, the V50 isn't just another pretty face, as its well-appointed interior completes its impressive package. The driver and front passenger alike will find little to complain about in the well-padded bucket seats, and the rear-passenger space is as good as it gets for a wagon of this size. Every touchable surface feels high in quality — with no sign of the cost-cutting that sometimes occurs in entry-level cars. But even with quality and comfort aside, it's the unique interior design that moves the cabin beyond eye-catching. The center stack "floats" on a narrow vertical strip that allows for functional storage space behind it. Housed on the stack is the easy-to-navigate climate control system operated primarily by two large knobs. Beneath it rests the V50's audio system with either a single CD or optional six-disc changer controlled by two additional dials and simple buttons. Both systems are detailed on a good-looking display screen with green graphics, though it unfortunately washes out in the bright sunlight.
But no matter how hip the V50 appears, a station wagon, even a compact wagon is still largely defined by its cargo area. The Volvo's rear hatch is light — easy to fling open or slam closed, and instead of a potentially finger-pinching handle there's a touchpad release disguised at the bottom of the door. Inside, the rear compartment holds up to 14.7 cubic feet of your personal belongings with the rear seats up, or expands to 46 cubes with the seats folded down. In comparison, an A4 holds a maximum of 61 cubic feet, and a 325xi takes on 57 cubes. A pull-across cargo cover comes standard, but its design makes it slightly intrusive in the cargo bay. If you're looking for storage other than in the far back, it's not as easy to come by. The front door bins are super tiny, the rear map pockets are small, and there are no rear door bins to accommodate backseat occupants.
Even though the Volvo may not be able to handle as much cargo as an Audi or BMW, chances are unless you're regularly hauling excessively large items, you won't notice the difference. What you will notice on a daily basis, however, is the dashing exterior style, comfortable, distinctive interior and exciting driving dynamics that make the V50 a wagon you'll be proud to own. And with all of its positive attributes, with a price just above $30,000, the V50 T5 with an automatic transmission hasn't priced itself out of its class. The cost is nearly identical to the Audi's, but is still over $4,000 less than the premium you'll pay for a BMW nameplate. With so much going for it, the new V50 is well worth a test-drive if you're shopping for an upscale compact wagon.
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