Volvo V50.(Product/Service Evaluation)

HIGHS | Turning circle, available integrated child-booster seats. LOWS | Stiff ride, road noise, tight rear seat, small cargo capacity.

The V50 is the smallest vehicle in this group, but its efficient interior makes full use of its space. That isn't enough, however, to overcome a rear seat that is tight even for children. We bought the turbocharged T5 version, the only one with available AWD. We found it difficult to find a model with stability control.

The T5 is quick and has balanced, agile handling, but a very stiff ride. We don't have reliability information on this redesigned model.

THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Ride motions are well-controlled, but the ride is un comfortably stiff. The highway ride is unsettled. Road noise is prominent.

The V50 handles well, with good response and restrained body lean in corners. The steering is well-weighted, though less precise than the Outback's. The small 36-foot turning circle is excellent. At its limits, the AWD V50 wagon is more balanced than its front-wheel-drive sedan sibling, the $40. The V50 is predictable and controllable in corners, and achieved one of the highest speeds of the group in our avoidance maneuver.

With its 218-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the V50 T5 was the quickest of the group by a small margin. But its initial acceleration is less than brisk until the turbo kicks in. Expect 20 mpg in mixed driving. The fivespeed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and is easy to use in its manual-shift mode.