VOLVO V50 test drive since 2007
Rgonomics
Let me have a new one in the guise of a Volvo V50, which was on the test in our editorial office at the beginning of 2007, we asked, seeing a fresh fifty in the parking lot of the Volvo press park. Here the S60 with the prefix R immediately caught my eye with an unusual body kit, but what is the difference between the V50 with a package of R-Design options from a standard machine of the same model? Indeed, last year's Feining Volvo V50 was difficult to notice until the cars were placed nearby, and here the same habitual appearance of the updated fifth with a protruding radiator grille, a single air intake, rear lights without a transverse white strip. Apparently, you will have to put cars nearby again to find changes in the Exterior of the Volvo V50, equipped with a package of R-Design options. Taking a closer look, it was found that the radiator grille received a fashionable silver-lip coating, bumpers and lower moldings are painted in the body color, the rear spoiler and a spoiler on the roof have. And the side mirrors were removed in the matte silver case and aluminum wheels have acquired five knitting needles. But, in fact, that's all. Yes, not too many differences. Although at one time the manufacturer described the facelift of its models as follows: the car retained the spirit of the brand, while receiving a large portion of the morning Scandinavian freshness. Apparently, therefore, the supplements in the appearance of cars with the R-Design logo were not so dramatic.
However, sports, tension and grace in the appearance of the model only intensified. Foreign designers are able to emphasize a given concept with such insignificant details.
In the hands of the key of the transporter. The Keyless Entry system itself unlocks the doors. This is where, it turns out, the main changes in the interior. A skin-covered steering wheel with a R-Design logo, seats made of easily washed vilcaflex material, a unique combined instrument panel, aluminum pedals, a central console trimmed with aluminum, gearbox lever and other elements. Indeed, noticeable changes, with an obvious orientation to the youth audience. As the interior designer Volvo, the Englishman Jonathan Dysley, said, he was inspired by the Swedish nature of a variety of and changeable. In the case of the R-Design optional package, this statement is especially relevant.
Later it turns out that the main efforts of the interior designers went not only to finish, but also for the optimal use of the internal space of the car. If in the trunk of a fifth (and V70 too) and before it was possible to see a grid and hooks for fastening the cargo, then, for example, the beneficial space in the door increased markedly due to the new shape of the speakers. Having settled down comfortably, you find, to your joy that everything is at hand, it is not necessary to reach anywhere. Rounded smooth lines do not cut the eyes, there are no incredible changes, and the steering wheel and the central console are brought to the general type of elegance.
Nevertheless, her driver’s behavior on the road remains the main component of the current Volvo V50. Clear control, a tenacious, but hard suspension, a fairly fast automatic box, light rebuilding, confident braking without demolition and, of course, comfort at any speed. There are no complaints about neither to the review, nor to sound insulation (the strongest side of Volvo cars). A good milking and a 2.4-liter engine that issues 170 hp.
Unlike a 140-horsepower engine of a similar volume, it gives the car a much more spectacular dynamics.
Andrey Konstantinov
