2011 Volvo V50

The Volvo V50 is one of the favourites among customers. Volvo Cars has its sights firmly set on customers with high demands on sportiness and premium feel for this model.
A number of distinctive design cues during the last years has meant that the V50 has moved a visual step closer to the Volvo V70.





Broad, low stance
The Volvo V50 has a compact body with rounded lines that exude modern design and speed. The short bonnet and pronounced cab-forward stance help create a spacious cabin with a generous interior.

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Volvo V50 offers spacious flexibility. To free up extra load space, the car's rear section is extended by 46 mm compared with the Volvo S40 sedan model.



The low, horizontal impression is reinforced when the car is seen from the side. The broad shoulders and convex side panels radiate power and emphasise the car's compact dimensions. At the rear, it is the shape of the tail lamps and the bumper that further boost the dynamic appearance.

Exterior colours
The following exterior colours are available for the Volvo V50:

• Flamenco Red Metallic (new) 702

• Cosmic White Metallic (new) 481

• Orange Flame Metallic (new) 701

• Black Stone Solid 019

• Passion Red Solid 612

• Ice White Solid 614

• Silver Metallic 426

• Black Sapphire Metallic 452

• Titanium Grey Metallic 455

• Barents Blue Metallic 466

• Electric Silver Metallic 477

• Chameleon Blue Metallic 490

INTERIOR

Flexible interior with iconic centre stack
The interior is inspired by Scandinavian product design with the emphasis on uncluttered surfaces, honest materials and functionality.
Together with the S40, the Volvo V50 was first of Volvo's models to feature the ultra-slim, free-floating centre console with illuminated storage compartment at the rear. The iconic centre console is available in several decor versions such as with Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, and the theme flows smoothly with similar elegant soft curves all the way to the rear seat. The storage space between the seats has also been designed with the help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark - smart functionality.

The sliding cover over the larger storage compartments, in which there are also two holders that provide secure support for large and small cups, is complemented by a flexible armrest for the driver.
With the rear seats folded down, the load compartment floor is entirely flat.

New contrasting leather combination
The upholstery range has been expanded over the years both at base level and for the more exclusive options, for instance with a new, finer-grained leather.
The range now includes a new contrasting leather option with black seat sides, white backrest and orange stitching.

Audio and information
The Volvo V50 can be equipped with Bluetooth® technology that enables wireless communication. By connecting Volvo's Bluetooth device to the car's audio system and a Bluetooth-compatible cellular telephone, easy and practical hands-free phoning is made possible.

Cars with Volvo On Call now have the option of activating the cabin heater remotely via SMS text messaging.
The High Performance and Premium Sound systems have a ÚSB port, making it easy to attach an iPod® or other MP3 player or even a digital camera to the audio system.

CHASSIS

Well-balanced and controlled driving
The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, is set up for controlled, reassuring driving manners and alert steering response. The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system featuring a number of links and it is designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and a high level of ride comfort. A long wheelbase and wide track together with a very rigid body all contribute to the predictable, controlled driving manners.

DSTC standard
Volvo's advanced DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard. DSTC intervenes and helps stabilise the car if it registers any tendency to skid.

DRIVELINE

Transverse engines
The engines in the Volvo V50 are transversely installed in-line units. Together with large displacement, the five-cylinder configuration provides high torque across a broad rev band, and thus also swift acceleration and excellent driveability within a wide speed range. Four-cylinder engines are also available.

T5 with 230 hp
The Volvo V50 T5 is the top model, featuring a turbocharger and five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) It produces 230 hp and 320 Nm of torque.
There are also other petrol engine versions available, plus a 2.0-litre bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant on certain markets from late 2010.

New 2-litre diesel - D3
The new five-cylinder 2-litre turbodiesel introduced in the all-new Volvo S60 is now available throughout Volvo Cars' model range. The new five-cylinder D3 is in principle the same engine as the well-established 2.4-litre diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption.

The engine has been optimised for low fuel consumption and the injection system has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimise consumption with exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This promotes extremely efficient combustion.
In the Volvo V50 the new 2-litre turbodiesel is available in two variants:

D4 with 177 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
D3 with 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque. This engine will be introduced in late 2010.
Both the new D3 and D4 meet the Euro 5 emission standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com)
All the variants of the new two-litre turbodiesel can be specified with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.

D2 with 114 g CO2 emissions
The V50 is in addition available with the 1.6-litre D2 diesel engine, which also complies with the Euro 5 standards. ( posted on conceptcarz.com) Fuel consumption is 4.3l/100 km (EÚ Combined), which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 114 g/km. The engine produces 115 hp and 270 Nm of torque and now comes with a six-speed manual gearbox.

DRIVe with 104 g CO2 emissions
The DRIVe version of the 1.6-litre diesel has a Start/Stop function, lowering fuel consumption to 3.9 l/100km and CO2 emissions levels to 104g/km. The engine delivers 109 hp.

The Start/Stop function shuts off the engine when the car is standing still and the driver releases the clutch and puts the gear lever into neutral. As soon as the driver presses the clutch again the engine restarts. The Start/Stop function reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 4-5 per cent (in mixed driving conditions). In urban traffic, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 8 per cent.

SAFETY AND SÚPPORT

IDIS promotes safer driving
Volvo Cars has developed various information systems and features designed to help the driver while on the move. One such system is IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), which for instance delays incoming phone calls in complex traffic situations that require the driver's undivided attention.

Some other preventive safety features that will support the driver in different ways are; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Distance Alert, helping the driver to keep a safe distance from vehicles in fron at speeds over 30 km/h. Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB), Driver Alert Control (DAC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Adaptive brake light, Dual Xenon lights as well as Active Bending lights (ABL) and water-repellent front side windows.

Systematic safety approach
Protective safety in the Volvo V50 is structured around a network consisting of exterior and interior safety functions that interact with one another to reduce the risk of occupant injury in a collision.

The body of the Volvo V50 features immense torsional rigidity and the car has a sturdy chassis, a combination that results in consistent, predictable behaviour on the road.

Incoming collision forces are distributed so the passenger compartment remains as intact and undamaged as possible. The body is therefore built in the form of a metal cage made from different grades of steel, where all the components interact with one another to ensure controlled deformation.

The interior safety features aim to keep the passengers securely in place and also to reduce the risk of serious injury. In order to provide the most effective protection possible, Volvo Cars has developed a number of in-house systems and features such as WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System), SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) and IC (Inflatable Curtain). All are fitted as standard in the Volvo V50. What is more, all five seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, belt pre-tensioners and head restraints.

Source - Volvo

Volvo S40 and V50 - now also with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km

The environmentally conscientious Volvo customer can now buy a Volvo S40 or V50 with CO2 emissions as low as 99 g/km - corresponding to fuel consumption of 3.8 l/100 km.
This means the Volvo C30, which was already previously available in a 99 gram variant, is now being joined in the sub-one hundred club by another two models.




Volvo's DRIVe badge is attached to those models that deliver the best environmental performance in their respective size classes. In addition to the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 there are currently another two models with CO2 emissions below 120 g/km: the Volvo V70 (119 g) and Volvo S80 (119 g). In early 2011, these will be joined by the Volvo S60 (under 115 g) and Volvo V60 (under 119 g).

Successful hunt for increased efficiency



The Volvo C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe are the first three models with the upgraded 1.6-litre diesel engine to meet the Euro 5 exhaust emission regulations being implemented in January 2011. The further-developed engine combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function have made it possible for Volvo's engine experts to cut CO2 emissions from 104 g/km to 99 g/km.

Source - Volvo