Vehicle Overview

Vehicle Overview  - 2006 Volvo V50 Review - Reviews - Volvo V50

Volvo's latest compact wagon debuted at the 2003 Bologna Motor Show in Italy. The automaker began selling the V50 in the summer of 2004, shortly after the comparably redesigned S40 sedan. The automaker says the V50 "blends Scandinavian style with Volvo engineering expertise." Manufactured in Belgium, the sport wagon targets younger buyers than its V40 predecessor.

A 2.4-liter inline-five-cylinder goes into the regular front-wheel-drive V50. The high-performance T5 edition gets a turbocharged inline-five and can be equipped with all-wheel drive. Prior V40 wagons used four-cylinder power. Both the V50 and S40 share technology with Ford and Mazda vehicles.

For 2006, steering-wheel audio controls are standard in the 2.4i model. Cupholders have been modified, the wheels are revised, and option packages have been restructured. T5 models with the six-speed-manual gearbox gain a "pushdown" function to engage Reverse gear.

As with the company's other products, safety and crashworthiness are principal themes. The V50 has a stiff body and features Volvo's Side Impact Protection System.

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    Design Concept
    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 typ ...

    Refueling
    The fuel tank is designed to accommodate possible expansion of the fuel in hot weather. See page 284 for fuel tank volume. Be aware that the "usable" tank capacity will be somewhat les ...

    Child safety locks
    Child safety locks in the rear doors Manual child safety locks – rear doors/ tailgate The controls are located on the rear door jambs and at the lower edge of the tailgate. Use a key or small s ...