VOLVO V50 test drive since 2007

Half -stroke for courage

Volvo V50 T5 AWD is a family man with an athlete's ambitions
 
The younger series of Sedanov S40 and V40 station wagons, which Volvo produced since 1995, has already touched on restyling in 2000: the track and base were enlarged, new lighting technology and bumper appeared, the interior in the style of senior models was updated. But Sorokovka became a truly new model only last year, and more recently, a station wagon, which received the V50 index, was born on its basis.
 
And if, on the basis of most budget serial sedans, other manufacturers, as a rule, are produced more simplified sheds, Volvo, on the contrary, made the top version of its junior grade of machines. By the way, such a policy was chosen, for example, such automotive faces as Audi, which launched A3 Sportback, or Alfa Romeo, which appeared to the 156th Sportwagon world. True, Volvo at the same time left the company in the model range of the company and the more affordable wagon V50, equipped with a base 1.8-liter engine with a capacity of 125 hp.
 
The silhouette of the station wagon turned out to be at the same time light and moderately aggressive, the lines are smooth and clear, and a small break in the rear rack added originality of an already interesting appearance. Two exhaust pipes, symmetrically located under the rear bumper, speak of the exclusivity of this version. In general, the appearance of the novelty fully corresponds to the image of a true sportsman. The Volvo V50 and the S40 related sedan are built on the new Ford Motor platform, which before the Scandinavians have already used Ford Focus C-Max, Mazda3 and Ford Focus II. However, by determining the top version, it should be equipped with the most powerful power unit in the line-as a result of the fifty, a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged T5, which issues 220 hp. And most importantly, the best of the best V50 was equipped with an automatic all -wheel drive with appropriate suspension settings. Only the older brothers S60, S80 or the XC70 crossover could boast with such bells and whistles. For these purposes, a hydromoft is used, specially developed by the Swedish company Haldex. Many users have already noted its obvious advantages over the previously used Wythefts operating on the basis of silicone fluid. In any case, the moment of joining the rear axle has become almost invisible to the driver. However, this is not surprising, given the speed of the coupling - before the slip of the wheel turns to a quarter of turn, the entire torque is transmitted to the wheel (or wheels), which retains the adhesion to the road. When the Volvo V50 T5 AWD approaches the turn, the maximum torque is transmitted to the front axle and the machine begins to slip smoothly, then the Haldex coupling redistributes part of the torque on the rear wheels, and the station wagon retains the trajectory. The same situation develops when the rear wheels get, for example, on gravel. From this it becomes clear that such a full -wheel drive system is more intended to maintain the stability of the car, and not at all to conquer off -road.
 
Indeed, the stability of the Volvo V50 T5 AWD on a direct ideal, and the course change occurs exactly and immediately, with minimal rolls. It is quite easy to maneuver. The optimal balance of the front and rear axle is easily adjusted in one direction or another by steering, or traction. And if you turn off a strict stabilization system, it is quite possible to play, for example, with a controlled skid or try other exercises from a motorsport-after all, the top version of the fifty is partly made for this. But to storm the snowdrifts on the V50 - too low the road light (for such extreme conditions in the Volvo lineup there are XC70 and, finally, XC90).
 
Aisin-Warner 5-speed automatic gearbox, of course, slightly restrains the engine gusts, but the power of a five-cylinder turbocharged T5 is enough to provide the V50 more than convincing acceleration. Acceleration is even, and the responses to press the gas pedal are noticeably damped. But it is worth converting the machine to the manual mode, pushing the selector to the right, as the reactions to the gas pedal exacerbate. The manual mode, as they say, is honest: the box does not switch up and does not respond to Kick-Down. In addition, the switching algorithm - down to yourself and up from yourself - is closer to most drivers. However, for those who wish, something burning is also offered a 6-speed manual gearbox, and in this case it will be cheaper in this case.
 
Such vivid running abilities of the V50 T5 AWD forced to distract from the description of the decoration of the news salon. And here, too, one can note the obvious progress - what is the central console suspended in the air, leaning on the tunnel of the gear with the lower edge. This designer find was already mentioned when meeting with a new fortieth series. True, in this case, the saying is recalled. Beauty requires sacrifice - for the sake of the aesthetics of the control key, the same ventilation modes of the salon or, say, the phone panel turned out to be uncomfortable, and it turned out to be difficult to get into the right one. By the way, the IDIS system proposed by the Volvo system, cutting off the incoming calls in critical minutes (passing turns, sharp braking, etc.), most likely puzzles the driver moving in the torn urban rhythm. Imagine what kind of conversation will turn out? Partly caused bewilderment and free space behind the console. In addition to a pack of cigarettes, nothing else got along in the niche - everything strove to jump out of there on a steep turn. Nevertheless, the materials used in the interior of the salon and fit the finishing elements leave the best impression. And if the ergonomics of the kokpit of the fifth seem to be not ideal, a solid interior will impunity the impression. In any case, in the salon V50 T5 AWD any, even the most spoiled person will feel some calm and peace.
 
As befits a station wagon, the V50 provides the owner with wide possibilities for transformation of the salon and a large useful area. Nevertheless, the fiftieth belongs to the European class D and in terms of space for cargo can satisfy the needs of the young family. The trunk in the standard has a volume of 417 liters, and its maximum volume is 1307 liters, which is still a little smaller than that of the BMW of the 3rd series. It is gratifying that the luggage compartment is equipped with everything necessary for transporting all kinds of cargo - there is a special pallet, and a mesh behind the back of the rear seat, etc. But for a full -sized spare, unfortunately, there was no place left - only the incomplete fit under the false floor. In addition, in pursuit of a decent trunk, the designers were forced to slightly limit freedom and rear passengers. In any case, after the individual tuning of the driver's seat, I hardly climbed back, where it was not easy to sit with clamped knees.
 
Well, in the end, Volvo made an attempt to get the potential buyers of young people already burdened with family. It is only a pity that so far in our country there are not many youth, ready to lay out for a family car (and the station wagon should be such), albeit with a sports character, about $ 45,000.
 
Text: Andrey Konstantinov
 

Source: Mkobil magazine [11.04.2005]