Acceleration

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
6	6	6.5

Only V50 T5 models have been made available for us to test so far. They're quite peppy in any situation and have little irksome turbo lag. The automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive.

Fuel Economy

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
6	6	5.4

In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD V50 averaged 25.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. V50 uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
5	4	5.5

All models are firm, but the base suspension is reasonably compliant on most surfaces. The tauter sport suspension, included with AWD models and optional with the Sport Package, reacts sharply to bumps. It makes for an uncomfortably stiff ride in concert with the low-profile 17-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
6	7	7.3

Assured and predictable, but not quite sport-sedan agile. The steering is accurate and has good feedback. Some testers find it too light for best highway-speed control. The brakes ease speed quickly with fine stability and moderate nosedive.

Quietness

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
6	5	6.1

These 5-cylinder engines lack 6-cylinder smoothness, suffer intrusive high-rpm thrum, but are okay otherwise. Wind noise is modest. There's little road ruckus from the 16-inch tires except on very coarse pavement; 17s rumble on all but the smoothest surfaces. One test AWD model had an annoying drumming resonance from the cargo area at highway speeds.

Controls

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
6	6	6.2

Mostly user friendly. Volvo's ultrathin center stack houses audio and climate buttons that some testers say take time to sort. The windshield-wiper stalk impedes accessing the dashboard-mounted ignition switch.

Details

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
7	7	7.3

The cabin has a minimalist design but includes high-quality materials. Workmanship has been solid on most models tested, though one V50 had a persistent squeak in its driver seat.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
7	7	6.9

The interior is not that wide, but it furnishes adult-size headroom and legroom on supportive, well-shaped seats. A standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel and available power seat let most drivers get comfortable. Visibility is good in all directions.

Room/Comfort (rear)

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
4	4	3.7

Two adults get decent headroom and elbowroom, but three will feel pinched. Knee space is tight if the front seats are set far back, but foot space is generous. The seat is short on thigh support. Narrow door thresholds impede entry and exit.

Cargo Room

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
8	8	4.3

A nice little hauler. V50's liftgate lacks opening glass and doesn't rise high enough to clear a six-footer's head. Interior storage is subpar.

Value within Class

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
6	5	6.2

Avoid the rough-riding sport suspension/17-inch tire combination, and V50 emerges as a solid, capable small wagon. A full compliment of safety features are standard. All-wheel drive is a nice safety net, but it can only be had with the sport suspension. Prices are competitive against most premium-compact wagons, though most rivals also offer 6-cylinder engines that are smoother and more powerful than the V50's 5-cylinder engines.

Total Score

T5	AWD T5	Class Average
67	65	65.4

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		59
Average Score		65
High Score		72