Overview
Volvo likes to call the V50 its weekend vehicle. This stylish urban-centric station wagon can best be summed up in this statement. Built on a popular Ford platform, it is the wagon version of the S40 small car. Volvo has discontinued the base V50 2.4i model, leaving only the turbocharged V50 T5. The T5 R-Design is now available in all-wheel drive and manual transmission has also been discontinued.
The 2011 Volvo V50, a five-passenger compact wagon, is available in T5 and R-Design trim levels.
Powertrain And Performance
The new FWD T5 model becomes base V50 powered by a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine with 227 horsepower. This engine is mated to a five-speed micro-processor controlled automatic with "Auto-stick" function.
Build And Styling
The grille of the V50 T5 receives a larger Iron Mark logo. Leather seating surfaces and leather gearshift knob added to Preferred Package, Electronic Climate Control (ECC) added to Climate Package and Volvo Navigation System with Real Time Traffic, remote control and Map Care added to Multimedia Package are notable. The new stand-alone options include Sirius satellite radio, Keyless Drive and rear park assist. Flamenco Red is a new exterior color choice.
The V50 T5 R-Design comes with standard power glass moonroof, standard power passenger seat, a larger Iron Mark logo on the grille and 17-inch "Cratus" alloy wheels. Electronic Climate Control (ECC) has now been added to Climate Package. Volvo Navigation System is available with Real Time Traffic, remote control and Map Care added to Multimedia Package and the new stand-alone options include Sirius satellite radio, Keyless Drive, rear park assist and 18-inch "Midir" diamond-cut alloy wheels.
Safety Features
The Volvo V50, one of the safest vehicles to hit the road, lives up to its reputation again, for this year. It gets tire pressure monitoring system; dual-chamber side airbags; Side Impact Protection System (SIPS); anti-submarining protection; seatbelts with pre-tensioners; daytime running lights; Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS); traction control; driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags; ISOFIX/Latch attachment system rear fog light with auto-off; IDIS Intelligent Driver Information System; anti-lock brakes; new active bi-xenon headlights; side-impact and head curtain air bags; active head restraints and anti-skid system among a few more.
*Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
