Exterior

Exterior  - 2006 Volvo V50 Review - Reviews - Volvo V50

Some V50 design characteristics were borrowed from early Volvo wagons. Still, styling hasn't veered dramatically away from the V40. Volvo notes that "from above, the body resembles the shape of a sleek speedboat, with a rounded prow, a broad mid-ship section and a narrowing stern."

Designed with softly rounded lines overall, the V50 has a short hood and a cab-forward profile, led by a protruding upright eggcrate grille with a diagonal cross-member. Outside mirrors contain turn-signal repeaters.

Built on a 103.9-inch wheelbase, the V50 is 177.7 inches long overall — 1.8 inches longer than the S40 sedan. Several aluminum wheel styles are offered. A Dynamic Trim Package for the T5 adds 17-inch aluminum wheels and front, rear and side spoilers.

    See also:

    Performance
    The C70 doesn't compete with the BMW M3s and Chevrolet Corvettes of the convertible world. It's more subdued than that, even when you get the top-of-the-line engine and option package like we test ...

    Operating the tailgate manually
    The power tailgate can be disconnected from the vehicle’s electrical system by quickly pulling the outer handle twice. The tailgate can then be opened/closed manually. ...

    Safety
    Volvo's commitment to safety is as old as the company itself. As Assar Gabrielsson, one of the founders of Volvo, declared: "Cars are driven by people. The guiding principle behind everything ...