KEY POINTS:
Volvo's 2.5-litre "D5" turbo diesel engine pushes the two-tonne XC90 seven-seater along at a fairly decent clip. The same engine now powers the 500kg-lighter V50 compact wagon, which should give you a fair idea of the newcomer's performance potential.
The gruff little diesel rockets the V50 D5 to 100km/h half a second quicker than the 2.4-litre petrol model; 8.5 seconds. Rolling acceleration can be startling - plant your foot and the front wheels chirp as 350Nm of torque kicks in; deploy the D5 in the wet and the traction control is instantly called into action.
As with other V50 models, the five-speed automatic gearbox has a tendency to dither over cog changes, but that's less of an issue in the D5 because the sheer pulling power of the engine makes you less dependent on the transmission for performance.
And as with other V50s, the D5 is great looking and brilliantly packaged (love the built-in booster cushions in the back) but pretty tight on space for the four-up family. It's more "professional couple" than "capacious carryall". But while the V50 is small, it's also perfectly formed. Those wanting something bigger could always opt for the forthcoming new-generation V70, otherwise, the V50 D5 is a lovely little wagon.
What's not to like? Well, the smoky-black alloy wheels apparently, which have offended a number of people (but not me). And the price - $59,990 - means the V50 D5 is $5000 more expensive than the 2.4-litre petrol model.
In a market where many makers, including Volvo, are now achieving price parity between petrol and diesel models, that price gap is too large.
Volvo V50 D5
How much? $59,990.
Engine and transmission: 2.5-litre inline five, 132kW/350Nm, 5-speed automatic, front-drive.
Performance: 0-100km/h 8.5 seconds, European Combined economy 7.0 litres per 100km.
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