The Volvo V50 is a Sportswagon - a sporty, dynamic, youthful five-door car with a smart, modern design. The rear of the Volvo V50 Sportswagon has a softer, more sports-orientated design than a typical Volvo estate, such as the Volvo V70. This effect is also enhanced by the softly rounded nose, the short bonnet and the cab-forward design. The chrome grille provides a design link to the larger Volvo V70 estate.

Designed by Volvo's talented and multi-cultural design teams in Gothenburg, Barcelona and California, the V50 captures Volvo's premium values in a more compact package. The result is instantly recognisable as a member of the modern Volvo family, but also asserts its own, distinct identity and takes the Volvo design language in a new direction.

The Volvo V50 is 2mm shorter than its predecessor, the Volvo V40, but its front track is 63mm longer, while its wheelbase is 78mm longer. The wheels are pushed out to each corner, which benefits the styling, the interior packaging and the car's dynamic stability.

Viewed from above, the body resembles the shape of a boat hull, with a rounded prow, a broad midship section and a narrowing stern. "We wanted it to look solid and efficient, which is why it has a boat shape," explains a Volvo designer.

In combination with Volvo's familiar broad shoulder line, this 'boat shape' promotes an impression of power and dynamism as well as contributing to the Volvo V50's smooth aerodynamics: the drag coefficient is Cd 0.31.

Customers who wish to emphasise the sporting credentials of their Volvo V50 are offered a choice of R-Design Sport and R-Design SE Sport models with fully integrated bodykit including front and rear spoilers, side skirts and a rear roof spoiler, all of which are painted to match the colour of the car.