First Look:
The base model of the Volvo V50 launched last year had a 2.4 ltr 5-cylinder engine under its hood, but didn’t delivered the premium experience that is expected from a Volvo. The base V50 now comes with a powerful 2.5 ltr turbocharged inline-5 engine, found in the expensive T5 R-Design trim. This upgrade now has made it possible to get your hands around a nice and decent V50 model, and in addition to this, the price of the speed is a lot more affordable than before.
One of the biggest assets for the 2011 Volvo V50 is its spaciousness. The Volvo V50 basically is a wagon variant of Volvo’s S40 sedan and offers a huge cargo space of 63 cubic-feet with the rear seats folded. This puts it ahead of the crossovers such as the Mercedes-Benz GLK, Audi Q5 and some other wagons such as the Audi A4 Avant. On another impressive feature for the car is its fuel economy, and the car is a lot more fuel efficient than many of its rivals in the market.
The styling of the Volvo V50 is one another thing that can’t be overlooked, and the Swedish styling of the car definitely is unique and appealing. The aesthetics for the 2011 Volvo V50 are minimal Scandinavian, and that becomes rather apparent with its cabin and sheet metal. The thin “floating” center console of the car looks as modern and chic today, as it did when the V50 entered the market back in 2005. In true Volvo style the 2011 Volvo V50 also offers immensely comfortable and supportive seats in addition to the inclusion of all new safety technology.
The biggest advantage that the 2011 Volvo V50 has is that there aren’t many serious rivals in the small-wagon segment. The closest rival for the V50 is the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen and although it offers comparable interior quality and better fuel economy, and even is priced less, it isn’t as fast as the V50. The other rivals for the car are BMW’s 328i wagon and Audi’s A4 Avant, which although are expensive than the V50, but are sportier and even more engaging to drive. One another solid pick here is the spacious Subaru Outback. In general, the 2011 Volvo V50 could be said a mix of comfort and style, and that is what makes it a respectable choice, but still its better to have a look around before putting money down the table for it.
What’s New for 2011 Volvo V50?
For the model year 2011, the base Volvo V50 2.4i has been replaced with a T5 trim, which comes loaded with almost all the equipments of the previous model, but now comes with a turbocharged engine. The car doesn’t come with a manual transmission and All-wheel drive.
Body Styling and Features:
The 2011 Volvo V50 comes in a single body styling of a 5-passenger compact wagon, and is available in two trims: T5 and T5 R-Design.
The standard safety equipment for the 2011 Volvo V50 includes the likes of 17 in wheels, cruise control, heated side mirrors, an 8-way power driver seat having memory settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel having audio controls mounted on it, Bluetooth, neoprene-like T-Tec upholster, which also is known as Dalaro and an 8 speaker stereo having CD player, iPod/USB audio interface and auxiliary audio jack.
The T5 R-Design brings a sunroof, aluminum roof rails, a sport-tuned suspension, sporty exterior trim, a power passenger seat, partial leather upholstery and special R-Design floor mats, gauges, shift knob and steering wheel.
Volvo offers a preferred package for its base T5, and offers a power passenger seat, a sunroof and leather upholstery. The Climate package comes with both the trims and it also includes automatic wipers, headlight washers, heated front seats and automatic climate control.
Go for the Multimedia package and you could get a 12-speaker premium surround-sound system, which includes satellite radio and a navigation system.
There also are some stand-alone options, in the form of adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and keyless entry/ignition, integrated rear booster seats, Rear Park assist and satellite radio.
Under The Hood:
The power for all the 2011 Volvo V50 comes from a turbocharged 2.5 ltr inline-5 engine that powers the car with its 227 bhp of maximum power and 236 lbs-ft of maximum torque. The power is transmitted to the front wheels of the car by means of a 5-speed automatic transmission having manual-shift capability. Volvo expects a 0 to 60 sprint of 6.8 secs, and the estimated fuel economy for the car is of 21 mpg in city and 30 mpg on highway, which comes to a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg.
Safety:
The standard safety features for the 2011 Volvo V50 includes traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, side curtain airbags, front side airbags and lash-reducing front head restraints. Some other optional safety features for the car comprise the likes of a blind-spot warning system and built-in rear booster seats.
Verdict:
The 2011 Volvo V50 is a roomy and happening premium wagon, but if you look around and do a bit of research in the market you easily will find a better option.
