Volvo V50 Review

Volvo Mulls Trimming Product Line, Adding Dealer Financing Division

Like the waistline of its parent country’s bikini models, Volvo is considering trimming down—cutting its product line in half, including its legendary wagons.

Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby believes that in America, its core products are the S60, the XC60 and XC90 SUVs. That means no more S40, no goofy-but-unloved C30 hatchback, and perhaps most egregious of all: no more V50 and V70 wagons. What is Volvo without its longroofs? Who knows, but there will likely be some members of Ithaca, New York’s Free Tibet chapter who will be sorely disappointed.

As Volvo aims to sell 120,000 cars annually—it is currently pushing less than half of that, at 53,948 vehicles for 2010—it is also considering its own captive finance division through its dealers. It will need to ink a deal with a major financial institution, as right now Volvo only offers financing through U.S. Bank.

2012 Volvo V50 R-Design Review - Official photos, features, specs ...

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Volvo V50 offers spacious flexibility. To free up extra load space, the car's rear section is extended by 46 mm compared with the Volvo S40 sedan model. The black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark emphasises a sporty language. The new headlamps and the three sculpted lower air intakes are other details that give the colour-coordinated soft-nose V50 front an increased impression of solidity.

The interior is inspired by Scandinavian product design with the emphasis on uncluttered surfaces, honest materials and functionality. Together with the S40, the Volvo V50 was first of Volvo's models to feature the ultra-slim, free-floating centre console with illuminated storage compartment at the rear. The iconic centre console is available in several decor versions such as with Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, and the theme flows smoothly with similar elegant soft curves all the way to the rear seat. The storage space between the seats has also been designed with the help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark - smart functionality. The Volvo V50 can be equipped with Bluetooth® technology that enables wireless communication. The Bluetooth connection has been upgraded to allow not only hands-free phone conversations but also music streaming from your preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player. Volvo is actually the only brand to offer Bluetooth music streaming throughout the entire vehicle range. Now, the system has been reinvented. Owners of all new Volvos from Model Year 2012 with Volvo On Call can download the new application that opens up a range of connectivity possibilities. The mobile app is free and downloaded via the iPhone and Android application stores. The app is designed to offer the owner an intuitive, easy-to-use relationship with the car from a distance.

The chassis, with spring struts at the front and Multilink axle at the rear, is set up for controlled, reassuring driving manners and alert steering response. The Multilink rear axle is an independent rear suspension system featuring a number of links and it is designed to offer a good combination of controlled wheel movements and a high level of ride comfort. A long wheelbase and wide track together with a very rigid body all contribute to the predictable, controlled driving manners.

DSTC standard Volvo's advanced DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) stability-enhancing system is fitted as standard. DSTC intervenes and helps stabilise the car if it registers any tendency to skid.

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