VOLVO has struck a nice balance between utilitarianism and style with its new, compact V50 wagons. The V50 offers all the user-friendly design of the larger Volvo wagons in a more compact, good looking and easily identifiable package. Most importantly though, the V50 has the same refreshing dynamics as the new S40 sedan. Here is a nimble, brisk-handling Volvo with a decent ride as well. Like the S40, Australian V50s also come with five-cylinder power only – four-cylinder versions are available elsewhere in the world – topping out with the turbocharged, 162kW T5. Almost unbelievable – a quick-accelerating, responsive Volvo with chassis dynamics to match.

Volvo V40 wagon
Released: February 1997
Ended: May 2004
Family Tree: V50Launch Down Under in February 1997, the S40-based V40 wagon is the direct predecessor to the new V50 tested here. Comprising the 103kW/183Nm 2.0, the 147kW/300Nm T4 (freom September 1997) and then (in February 1998) the 118kW/230Nm 2.0T, the V40 range was rationalised in July 1999. Since then it has included the 100kW/190Nm 2.0 and 2.0 SE, the 121kW/240Nm 2.0T and 147kW/300Nm T4 and T4 SE.
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