Volvo V50 DRIVe SE Edition Start/Stop 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The Volvo V50 is an accomplished motorway cruiser which delivers a very smooth ride on the whole. It handles well and glides through corners with good road grip and sharp, responsive steering. The model provides a fun driving experience down to the powerful engine and minimal body roll. Moreover, the ride is a refined one with a quiet engine, and little road or wind noise even at speed. It absorbs the majority of bumps and road imperfections with consumate ease.

A top speed of 121mph is met by this incredibly efficient vehicle, which is impressive. The car is slightly slower than other estates at reaching 62mph from a standstill, taking 11.5 seconds. The car’s power output is 113bhp and its torque is 199 lb-ft.

The V50 is an attractive estate with smooth and sleek lines, and a stylish front end. These aesthetics are continued inside the vehicle where high quality materials are used and the instruments are neatly laid out. The exterior is enhanced with alloy wheels, while metallic paint can be added for a cost of £565.

The V50 boasts an excellent range of equipment. This model comes as standard with climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electric front windows and door mirrors, a CD player with MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity. The interior is also finished with leather seats.

Satellite navigation can be added for £525.

This V50 has five doors and seats five occupants making it an ideal choice for a family car, as there is simple access in to the vehicle. It has a spacious cabin and the car has got relatively generous boot space - when the rear seats are upright there is 417 litres of free space, and when the rear seats are folded there is 1307 litres. Head and legroom is ample throughout the vehicle.

The safety has been well established as there is a driver airbag, passenger airbag as well as airbags in the front side area of the vehicle to maximise protection for the driver and passengers in the event of an accident. The model received a maximum 5 star Euro NCAP rating.

The car's warranty is standard; Volvo offer three years and up to 60,000 miles of cover.

In terms of security, the car is fitted with an alarm to give the car maximum security when it is unattended, and central locking.

The Volvo V50 DRIVe SE Edition Start/Stop 5dr from new can be bought for £23,745. This is highly competitive for a vehicle which offers such favourable running costs along with a very good range of equipment.

This car produces just 99g/km of CO2 emissions, which means free road tax and exemption from the London congestion charge. It also runs on outstanding efficiency at 74.3mpg, which is incredible for a car of this size and stature. The model is much cheaper to run than rivals and offers a great range of equipment, representing superb value for money.