Volvo V50 Estate 2004 - Present

Volvo has been making decent estate cars for decades now. The V50 is the small family estate model that's looking to offer an up-market alternative to the Ford Focus and Vauxhall's Astra. The Swede does offer a good drive and great finish but the challenge of going against the UK's most popular models isn't an easy one.
The small Volvo estate car comes to the table with impeccable manners. It looks neat and tidy on the outside and as you open the driver door the feeling of quality is really the first thing that strikes you. The door feels solid and tough and when it shuts it does so with an unhurried firmness that inspires confidence in the car. The interior is finished in the now trademark Volvo sumptuous leather, with quality materials used throughout. The controls are all naturally laid out and feel solid in operation. The legroom is that of a larger car and the shoulder room is beg enough to ensure that three adults can travel in comfort in the back seat.
The V50 shares it's engine range with the S40 saloons which is mostly a good thing. The start point however is best avoided if at all possible as the 100bhp 1.6L engine is really not up to the job in hand, unless the car is empty. As you move up the range the engines make a lot more sense. The 1.8 124 bhp option is a much better suited engine to this size of car and it offers a much more satisfying drive. The 2.0 petrol engine is extremely competent and offers a sup ten second 0 - 60 with a top end of 130 mph. The 2.4i petrol engine offers standing to 60mph in eight seconds and a top speed of 137 mph and if that isn't enough for you the 2.5T can muster 6.7 seconds and 149 mph. The diesel options are not as exciting but the 2.4 unit can manage 7.7 seconds and 140 mph, which is no slouch. There are no great surprises in the fuel consumption figures. The bigger, faster engines drink more with the 2.5T engine the worst of the bunch at 27 mpg. The oil burners range between 40 and nearly 50 mpg so they offer almost half the fuel consumption, worth a thought as there is good performance on offer from them.
On the road the V50 doesn't offer quite the same road going ability as some of it's rivals, but there are few cars at any price that can come near the Ford Focus. What it does do is hold the road with great competence and cornering ability. The suspension can soak up whatever the roads have to throw up and leave the V50 ready for the next manoeuvre. It offers easy motorway miles and an entertaining drive. The steering offers a reasonable amount of feel for the road and inspires confidence in the Swedes road holding.
If you're in the market for a small family estate car the V50 is definitely worth considering. It offers an alternative to the established favourites and a really decent drive. Avoid the smallest engine as it's really not big enough, it may give you room to haggle and get a good deal.

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