2006 Volvo V50

The Volvo V50 is a little pricey for a premium compact station wagon, but it's a nice blend of practicality and driving fun -- especially the turbocharged T5 version with road-gripping all-wheel drive.

The V50 wagon arrived last year as a companion to Volvo's new, similar S40 sedan. The V50 has the same basic proportions as the sedan but shows off Volvo's flowing lines better and looks unmistakably Volvo.

The V50 replaced the small, discontinued V40 wagon, which never felt much like a Volvo because it was based on a Mitsubishi design. The S40/V50 shares its chassis and some parts with the European-market Ford Focus and Mazda 3, because Ford owns Volvo and also part of Mazda. Somehow, the V50 sounds and feels like a Volvo and is an improvement over the V40.

This wagon also is fun to drive. The turbocharged, all-wheel-drive V50 T5 AWD model I tested had nearly sports car moves. The quick steering is accurate and doesn't call for much turning of the wheel for cornering. The suspension provides a supple ride and confident handling. The linear-action brake pedal feels a little soft, but stopping distances are impressively short.

The V50 wagon still is pretty new, so there is a simplified 2006 option structure, and changes are confined to such things as standard steering wheel audio controls for the base $26,205 V50 2.4i. There's also a new "push-down'' feature to engage reverse gear in the six-speed manual transmission of the mid-range, front-drive $27,840 V50 T5 model -- and improved cupholders. The top-line $29,615 V50 AWD model adds an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system with a sport suspension.

Giving both T5 models more flash is a $2,025 Dynamic Trim Package with front/rear spoilers, side skirts, lower floor edge moldings, 17-inch alloy wheels and a sport suspension (for the regular T5).

All V50s have a good amount of standard equipment, but key options include a $1,200 power sunroof, $2,120 navigation system and $1,200 leather upholstery.

The V50 is a tight little package, but it is roomy enough for four tall adults. The center of the rear seat is too stiff for comfort for a third occupant, and rear door thresholds should be wider. The quiet interior is stylish and has easily read gauges and large climate and sound system controls. But inside door handles are small, in contrast to the large, easily gripped outside handles.

There's good cargo room, and the entire back seats flip forward to allow even more cargo space. Loading is easy through a low, wide hatch opening.

While smaller than other Volvo wagons, the V50 has standard anti-lock disc brakes, front side air bags and head-protecting curtain side air bags for those who think only larger vehicles are safer.

The V50 2.4i has a 2.4-liter, 168-horsepower five-cylinder engine. The T5 versions have a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder with 218 horsepower and considerably more torque for strong mid-range acceleration. A V50 T5 does 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, which is pretty quick. While slower, the non-turbo model provides decent acceleration.

The 168-horsepower engine comes only with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the turbo engine works with a six-speed manual gearbox or the automatic, which costs $1,200 and has manual-shift capability.

High gasoline prices are much in the news, so potential V50 buyers should know that the standard engine delivers an estimated 25 mpg in the city and 30 on highways. The front-drive T5 provides 24 city and 31 highway with the automatic and 25 and 31 with the manual. Figures drop with the heavier 3,483-pound T5 AWD: 21 city, 30 highway with the automatic and 19 and 27 with the manual. Premium gasoline is recommended for both turbo and non-turbo engines.

I tested the V50 T5 AWD with the optional, slick-shifting automatic. This version was a kick to drive partly because it had the most potent engine and all-wheel drive, which enhances handling and comes with a sport suspension. However, the six-speed manual gearbox is said to shift precisely and might have made the wagon more sporty, at least out of the city.

All V50 models have standard traction control and are offered with a $695 anti-skid system, which can be well worth the money on slippery Chicago area winter roads.

My test car had little turbo-induced throttle lag, which is even minimal with front-drive V50 models.

There is little evidence of cost-cutting. For instance, the hood doesn't need an old-fashioned prop rod because it opens smoothly on a hydraulic strut, revealing a surgically neat engine compartment with easily reached filler areas.

Most automakers are reluctant to call vehicles a station wagon in this country, although many potential V50 buyers are young and grew up with minivans, not with big, boxy American wagons that minivans replaced.

Volvo thus calls the V50 an "Activity Sportswagon,'' which might sound strange to drivers in Europe, who readily accept the words "station wagon'' and welcome a compact wagon's versatility because it's often the only family car. Larger minivans or SUVs? They're too big for narrow, congested European roads.

Roads also have become pretty congested in this country, making the roomy, decent-sized V50 worth a good look for those in the market for a nicely sized compact station wagon -- er, "Activity Sportswagon.'' 

2006 VOLVO V50 WAGON 

PRICES
$26,205-$29,615

LIKES
Fast turbo version. Roomy. Fun to drive. Good highway fuel economy. Safety features.

DISLIKES
Rather pricey. Hard rear center seat area. Narrow rear doorways.