Insurance Group: 21
MPG: 65.7
CO2: 114
0-62 Mph: 11.5 secs
BHP: 113 BHP
Range: 752 miles
PROS: Frugal 1.6-litre diesel engine, good handling, distinctive styling, reasonable running costs, good level of standard equipment, very safe.
CONS: Seems pricey compared to some rivals, not as spacious as some rivals, 1.6-litre engine may be underpowered if you carry a full load frequently.
The V50’s interior is stylish and uncluttered. The seats are very supportive, especially for thighs and shoulders and make travelling very comfortable. Finding the right driving position is an easy task thanks to the ample adjustment available on both driver’s seat and steering wheel. All round visibility is good and the dash is well laid out; featuring a rather distinctive super-slim central control console.
The 1.6-litre 113bhp diesel engine fitted in this version copes well with moving the V50. It produces 199lb-ft of low down torque and will take the V50 from 0-62mph in a respectable 11.5 seconds. It has a top speed of 121mph and also returns a very impressive 65.7mpg average fuel economy. However, if you frequently carry a full load, you may be better considering the 2.0-litre diesel engine option which has more power but is still frugal.
The V50 handles well, providing lots of grip on winding roads and controlling body-roll well thanks to the firm suspension. On the motorway it’s an effortless, refined cruiser and it’s only over rougher surfaces that it seems a little unsettled.
The diesel engine is quiet enough at most speeds and road and suspension noise are well dampened inside the cabin. Wind noise can build up when cruising at higher speeds, but it’s no worse than some of its rivals, bearing in mind that it’s an estate car.
Overall it’s a refined and comfortable ride in the V50, and it’s surprisingly agile on back roads.
The V50 is a lot more stylish than its Volvo estate predecessors and includes some nice design touched in the interior. While it’s not the most aerodynamic estate on the market, it does possess a stylish, durable appeal.
The V50 R-DESIGN Edition comes very well equipped with power steering, central locking, DSTC stability control, 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, rain sensitive wipers, cruise control, rear parking sensor, partial leather upholstery, alarm, immobiliser, CD with MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth, sports bodykit, blue instrument dials and leather clad steering wheel with audio controls. Volvo also offers the option of metallic paint £565 and satellite navigation £525.
The V50 isn’t quite as spacious as some of its obvious rivals or the larger Volvo estates available. However, it still has a decent 417-litres of boot space without moving the rear seats and with the rear seats folded down, the available space extends to 1,307-litres.
Cabin space is good overall, with lots of room up front for driver and passenger. Rear space is not quite as generous as in some other cars in this class and rear head room is a little restricted.
As you’d expect from a Volvo, the V50 R-DESIGN comes with a strong emphasis on safety with front, side and curtain airbags and stability control fitted as standard equipment. Laminated side glass is also available as an option. Euro NCAP awarded the V50 the maximum rating of five-stars in its crash-tests.
Security measures include remote central locking, alarm, engine immobiliser, visible VIN and security-etched parts.
Volvo has an enviable reputation for build quality and reliability and the V50 R-DESIGN is no exception. Most of the mechanicals are well tried and tested and interior fittings and trim are of a good quality. The V50 R-DESIGN scored above average for quality and reliability in the 2011 JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
Volvo covers the V50 R-DESIGN with its three-year 60,000 mile warranty, with regular service intervals every 12,500 miles.
The Volvo V50 D2 R-DESIGN may appear expensive to buy next to some of the cheaper estate options in its class, but its excellent build quality, durability, high level of equipment and prestige badge make the £23,745 good value for money.
Running costs are very reasonable for a large estate; insurance is in group 21 while its low emissions of 114g/km keep it in VED band C for Road Tax. Excellent fuel economy of 65.7mpg and the option to purchase a three-year fixed cost service package also mean that your motoring budget shouldn’t be stretched much by the V50.
Resale values for the V50 are not that strong, so if you’re buying new – look for discounts from dealers. As a second hand purchase, the V50 R-DESIGN 2.0-litre diesel option is one of the most sought after.
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