2007 Volvo V50: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

An antiskid system is standard instead of optional for 2007 on Volvo's entry-level wagon. Volvo offers a sedan version of this car as the S40 and both body styles share elements of their basic design with the Mazda 3. V50 has a 5-cyl engine and comes in 2.4i and sporty T5 trim. The 2.4i has 168 hp and front-wheel drive. T5s are turbocharged, have 218 hp, and are front- or all-wheel drive. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on AWD T5s. Optional on those and standard on other V50s is a 5-speed automatic. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. AWD T5s include a firmer sport suspension that's available for other models. Keyless entry/starting is a new option for all models, which get a minor interior freshening for '07. Also available are a navigation system with pop-up dashboard screen, leather upholstery, heated seats, and sunroof.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TSX and Audi A3.

New or significantly redesigned is the BMW 3-Series.