While the interior of the Volvo V50 Sportswagon places an emphasis on style, form has not been allowed to take precedence over function. The fascia ergonomics have been carefully designed and drivers will find that the controls are sensibly sited and within easy reach. The driver's seat is multi-adjustable and the steering wheel adjusts for both rake and reach, ensuring that drivers of all shapes and sizes can get comfortable.

The orthopaedically designed seats benefit from a range of fabrics, including Boda textile for S models, Dalarö T-Tec for SE and Leather/T-Tec fitted to R-Design models. T-Tec is a material that has been specifically developed for Volvo and was inspired by sportswear and travel accessories. Hardwearing but comfortable, the leather T-Tec trim option features the R-Design logo highlighting the car's dynamic appeal. SE Lux benefits from Leather faced upholstery as standard.

Customers will also be delighted to discover an interior packed with clever solutions. The development of the ultra-thin technology, for example, enabled Volvo's designers to introduce a useful storage area behind the central stack, which can be accessed from both front seats.

There is also plenty of room for passengers. At 1770mm wide (without mirrors) and 1457mm tall, with a 2640mm wheelbase, the Volvo V50 offers excellent interior space. Five occupants can travel in comfort and they all benefit from a full three-point safety belt system and a head restraint.

The new Volvo V50 is self-consciously a Sportswagon: "The emphasis has been placed on attractive design and a sense of sportiness, with a 'bonus' in the form of practical details and extra luggage space," said Volvo Car's then President and CEO, Hans-Olov Olsson at the V50's world debut.

But the size of this 'bonus' should not be underestimated. The Volvo signature stacked tail lamps and near-vertical rear door create a wide aperture through which large, awkward items can be loaded.

At 4.52m in length, the Volvo V50 Sportswagon competes with the Audi A4 Avant (4.54m) and the BMW 3-series Touring (4.48m), and its luggage volume reflects this. With the rear seats in place, the Volvo offers 417 litres of space, compared with 442 litres for the Audi and the BMW's 435 litres. But with the rear seats folded flat, the Volvo V50 offers significantly more capacity than the Audi (1307 litres versus 1184 litres) and only a little less than the BMW (1345 litres).

The versatility of this space is enhanced by the split/fold rear seats, which fold to provide a completely flat load surface. The front passenger seat also folds forwards to allow 3m long items, such as a surfboard, to be carried.