The Volvo V50 – As Tested by Ivan Khong
VOLVO V50 by Ivan Khong
Volvo Cars Malaysia recently launched the Volvo V50 to the Malaysian automotive market. The V50 is mechanically similar to the S40 sedan, it being essentially an S40 with increased luggage space, an extended roof and a squared off rear end. It is a handsome compact station wagon without looking utilitarian, with beautifully tapered vertical rear lamps. The most glaring difference between the S40 sedan and the V50 station wagon is that the latter is powered by a turbo enhanced 2.5litre engine, boosting the power to 220bhp and 320Nm of torque.
Volvo’s launch was held at the Sepang International Circuit, to showcase the V50’s road handling capabilities in a safe environment. We were given the opportunity to perform a few simple driving exercises, i.e. emergency braking, accident avoidance (elk test), slalom, high speed cornering and acceleration runs from zero to 160kph, with each journalist taking turns at the helms of a handsome bunch of cars provided by Volvo Cars Malaysia.
However, even with such dramatic maneuvers allowed to us (some of whom are seemingly born with suicidal tendencies), it somehow was boring to some of the drivers and passengers. So sure-footed was the V50, a legacy of its stiff chassis, working together with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), that it took all we could throw at it, with hardly any drama. The vehicle’s handling belies its station wagon guise. The V50 tacks through the fast sweepers around Sepang with good stability, notwithstanding a steering feel that is perhaps a little on the ‘light’ side, sacrificing feel with a tad too much power assistance. Another good side of the V50 is the excellent balance; the benefit of this is none of the dangerous if-I-lift-off-in-mid-corner-tail-will-come-out behaviour. Pushed harder than recommended, the front gives in gentle understeer and slight 4 wheel drifts, a situation easily handled (usually naturally or instinctively) by lifting off on the throttle. This inspires confidence in drivers. With ABS and EBA, the brakes provide immense stopping assistance in the shortest possible distance. Due to the smooth surface of the SIC race circuit, we were not able to test the ride composure over potholes and bumps, and it would be interesting to see if the harsh riding suspension of the S40 has been eliminated and improved on the V50.
With the Volvo safety philosophy clearly continued in the Volvo V50, this unique and multi-talented car appears to have successfully blended all the virtues of expanded boot space, high performance and family-centric traits, beautifully into a single unitary form. Who would have believed that this was possible in car that is designed for the family?
