The Volvo V50 Sportswagon has been designed to minimise the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists in the event of an accident. The smoothly shaped front has an energy-absorbing structure ahead of the bumper which serves to reduce the risk of leg injuries.

The bonnet and front wings have also been designed to absorb collision energy and the petrol-engined models have a generous 70mm of free space between the top of the cylinder head and the bonnet, which reduces the risk of pedestrian head injuries.