2006 Volvo V50

Introduced last year, the V50 is a uniquely Volvo premium compact Activity Sportswagon. It offers a compelling synthesis of safety leadership, exhilarating performance and vibrant design and style. It is a natural extension and evolution of Volvo technologies – and of the Volvo vehicle architecture – on which it is based. Because it can be equipped with most features available on larger Volvos, it delights those who seek a high value-per-dollar quotient.

The newest Volvo continues to be offered in three versions: The most attainable is the V50 2.4i. The performance-oriented V50 T5 and the all-weather V50 T5 AWD enhance the fun-to-drive factor. Changes for 2006 include a new, simplified package and option structure, redesigned alloy wheels and improved cupholders. T5 models receive a 'pushdown' function to engage reverse gear for the 6-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

From the outside, the V50 is unmistakably a Volvo, a modern evolution of the sportswagon design language that began with the V70 family wagon. 'The V50 is the result of a consistent design strategy, in which the Volvo character has been developed for each new model,' says Henrik Otto, Volvo Cars' Design Director. 'Our newest sportswagon is indisputably a genuine Volvo but, at the same time, it has its own, totally individual and distinct profile.'

The interior is a revolution, with an ultra-slim center console – the first of its kind in the automotive world – creating an aura of exclusivity, simplicity and space. 'The center console is a design icon for the Volvo V50,' says Otto. 'What sets the V50 apart is the ability for the car to carry both people and all the important stuff that allows them to live their lives to the fullest. It is truly a car with a large capacity for life!'

In the V50, Volvo continues its innovative use of high-tensile steel. In the front structure, four different grades of steel are used in an intelligent interplay to provide maximum safety for the car's occupants. 'Naturally, our goal is that the Volvo V50 should be the safest car in its class,' says Volvo Cars President Hans-Olov Olsson. Side impact protection is addressed by the use of extremely rigid cross members that form a three-way attachment between the leading edge of the A-pillar and the base of the B-pillar. Similar cross members are found in the rear doors as well. This system of energy absorption, along with slim-design 5-cylinder engines is called Volvo's Intelligent Vehicle Architecture (VIVA), representing an innovative approach to vehicle safety design.

The Volvo V50 offers a choice of spirited 5-cylinder engines: a normally aspirated 2.4-liter unit producing 168-horsepower and a 2.5-liter 218-horsepower light-pressure turbocharged T5 engine. Those who crave an even more dynamic driving experience may opt for electronically controlled all-wheel drive. Performance is further accentuated through the available T5 Dynamic Trim Package, which enhances the aggressive lines of the car through specially designed spoilers on the front; sides and rear, along with larger 17-inch wheels.

Source - Volvo Car Media