The Volvo V50 is the exciting five-door active lifestyle sportswagon that follows the introduction of the S40 sport sedan, which made its debut at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The Volvo V50 replaced the V40, which was launched in the United States in 1999. Sales of the V50 sportswagon began in the U.S. in the summer of 2004 as a 2005 model.
Design
"The V50 is the result of a consistent design strategy, in which the authentic Volvo character has been developed for each new model," says Henrik Otto, Volvo Cars' Design Director. "Our new sportswagon is indisputably a genuine Volvo but, at the same time, it has its own, totally individual and distinct profile - with characteristics from classics like the Volvo 1800 ES, Volvo 480 and its most recent predecessor, the V40.
Unique profile with extended cargo area
The rear of the Volvo V50 has an athletic, sporty design that sets it apart from the more traditional lines of the V70. The combination of its rounded rooflines and extremely abrupt tail is designed to create a modern look without limiting the practicality required of a wagon.
The softly rounded nose, the short hood and the marked cab-forward design reinforce this. The sportswagon look is further accentuated through the addition of the optional sport accessory kit, with its specially designed front, side and rear spoilers, larger wheels and dual exhaust tips.
The track and wheelbase have been extended, pushing the wheels out to each corner. This contributes to the sporty appearance, as well as giving the car predictable road manners. The long wheelbase also makes it possible to fit conveniently wide rear doors for ease of access.
The Volvo V50 is 1.8 inches longer than the S40. The section behind the rear wheels has been extended and utilized to increase luggage space.
"The luggage compartment is not simply spacious," says Henrik Otto. "It is also practical and easy to load, thanks to the vertical side windows and the totally flat load floor. It meets the demands of today's customers with 'a large capacity for life.' "
Vibrant design and style
The V50 has a completely individual profile that distinguishes itself as the all-new sportswagon from Volvo.
The grille has the same distinctive egg-crate mesh pattern that's found on the S40. The hood has the classical V shape. The contour lines of the body - the strong, distinctive shoulders - have also been incorporated. The high rear tail lamps are another indication of the V50's Volvo-wagon heritage. The overall design and style defines the sportswagon and differentiates itself from Volvo's family wagon, the V70.
Dynamic speedboat inspired body
From above, the body resembles the shape of a sleek speedboat, with a rounded prow, a broad mid-ship section and a narrowing stern. Together with the broad shoulders, this shape creates a sporty, athletic impression, while contributing to the Volvo V50's excellent aerodynamics.
The doors of the Volvo V50 are convex in shape, unlike the concave design of the doors on the larger Volvo models. This reinforces the sporty appearance and increases the width of the cabin.
The windshield wipers are entirely new and are recessed under the hood. The turn signal indicators are integrated into the door mirrors, where they are easily visible from the sides.
A number of newly designed aluminum wheels, several of which are unique to the Volvo V50, are available as options. The sportiest wheels are 18 inches in diameter and are equipped with ultra-low profile 215/45 tires.
Exterior Sport Styling
The Volvo V50 is available with an Exterior Sport Styling kit, which further accentuates the aggressive, dynamic image of this new model.
The package includes specially designed spoilers front and rear, side skirts and a rear roof spoiler. A lowering kit, which reduces the ride height by .75 inches, further enhances the appearance of the V50.