Volvo V50 R-Design

Oct 5 2008 Jonathan Smith

NO matter how sensible you may be, no matter how uncommitted you might be towards cars in general, it has to be admitted that the vehicle parked in your drive makes a statement about you.

Whether you drive for pleasure, business or just act as a taxi for the kids, the set of wheels you choose is more personal than the clothes you throw on each morning - besides which the car is a load more expensive than your kit.

That's why so many of us go for a designer label, given the chance and the money. Volvo has reckoned on this with the introduction of their R-Design range which adds a touch of individualism and style to established models, without sacrificing anything in the way of practicality.

The V50 Sportswagon I've been driving does its best to blend the all-round versatility - that's what the V stands for - of an estate with a bit more flair so it appeals to its main audience of 35 to 44 year olds, many of whom have a family.

Smart five spoke alloy wheels, neat side skirts and spoilers on the outside and snazzy black and cream leather upholstery on the inside give it a bespoke feel, even if it looks a bit over-the-top with brilliant white paintwork as mine was. Strangely, an onboard computer, usual a Volvo trademark, is omitted from the list of standard goodies.

The version I drove was the 2.0litre diesel which though not the cheapest model in the line-up is economical to run and provides robust performance. But best of all was the new auto box. Called the Powershift, the six speed system has twin wet clutches which provide it with a choice between fully automatic and a manual clutchless system.

It can be switched between the two modes just by knocking the gearlever to the left or right. With the substantial torque of the 134bhp diesel, acceleration is a nimble 0 to 62mph in nine seconds with a top speed of 127mph.

Changes in auto are smooth and rapid and in manual mode, it's nippier than a conventional unit.

The diesel engine isn't among the quietest available, particularly at low speed when cold, but it all quietens down at cruising speeds. The ride is on the notchy side of comfortable despite a body which boasts 34 per cent great rigidity than its predecessor.

The V50 is a tad smaller than its obvious rivals such as the Mazda6 estate, Citroen C5 and Accord and this is borne out in the carrying capacity - 417litres with rear seats in position and 1300litres when they are folded.

There's plenty of safety kit, including an array of abbreviations - WHIPS, SIPS and DSTC which amount to various impact protection systems and stability and traction control systems. These are standard throughout the V50 line-up.

Most drivers' fuel consumption is likely to be in the low 40s, as was mine. The official combined average is 48.7mpg which will give a driving range of more than 500 miles between filling up. CO2 emissions are a reasonable 153g/km.

FAST FACTS

Volvo V50 2.0D Sportswagon R-Design

Price: £20,995

Mechanical: 134bhp, 2.0litre four cylinder diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd auto gearbox

0-62mph: 9.0sec

Top speed: 127mph

Combined mpg: 48.7

Insurance group: 10

CO2 emissions: 153g/km

BiK rating: 21%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000miles mechanical, 8yrs anti-rust, 3yrs paint