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2005 Volvo V50 Sportswagon Road Test

Girl Next Door Gets Sexy New Shape

The sun was shining as usual in Costa Del Sol, Spain, an ideal backdrop for the introduction of Volvos much anticipated V50 Sportswagon.

Its an elegant design, similar to the stylish V70 that has done much to alter North American perceptions about the once stodgy Swedish brand and station wagons in general. Now, much because of Volvo, its cool to drive a wagon. Its a sign of offbeat practicality, the embodiment of priorities independent of overindulging SUVs that often care little of the surrounding environment, or so the wagon mindset is often portrayed.

As I get older, now with a third child added to my home, Im starting to like wagons for the same reasons my parents did. Theyre practical

The upcoming V50 Sportswagon should further enhance Volvos new sporty image. Keep in mind though, that the waterfall grille shown here will not be part of the U.S. package, replaced instead with a sportier black eggcrate grille. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

for everyday use and much more amenable to daily driving than large, cumbersome trucks.

Volvos latest in particular, is an example of tidy packaging. While compact in exterior dimensions, its interior is extremely spacious. Ample headroom will be appreciated by the elevated set, while the car feels

While compact in exterior dimensions, the V50s interior is extremely spacious. Volvos unique T-Tec upholstery is shown. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

wider than any alternative Ive tested in this class. The front seats fit me perfectly, with excellent for and aft adjustment for the small to tall among us, while those in the rear wont be compromised unless the front seats are in their rearmost positions. Then its a tight squeeze, although the seatbacks are concave to allow for additional knee room.

The quality of the V50s materials is extremely high, a marked improvement over the outgoing V40. Whether

The materials used in the V50s interior are a marked improvement over the outgoing V40. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

finished in top-tier textured leather, Volvos distinctively stylish man-made T-Tec upholstery, that along with its contrasting stitching and three unique colors appears as durable as any Ive ever seen, or standard cloth, its an upscale environment that will quickly endear itself to those not willing to settle for anything less than a premium experience.

I especially like the upper door panel trim, a thick soft-touch "window sill" perfect for comfortably resting the forearm when in a casual driving mode. The lower panel bends inward, making room

The thin and stylish floating center stack is a stunning visual focal point of the cabin. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

for a well-placed lower armrest cum door handle and the requisite power window and remote mirror switches. Theyre integrated into a high-tech aluminum trim piece, or if wood is more your thing an authentic feeling but environmentally friendly dark faux woodgrain.

This door trim matches my favorite V50 design element, a sensually stylish floating center stack that appears as if made by home audio mavens Bang & Olufson. Its thin like a plasma screen TV, with an integrated interface that appears like a high-grade remote control. Here the majority of ancillary functions can be actuated, with 1 through 9 presets

Volvo makes the center console of the V50 customizable, with changeable covers in authentic aluminum, wood or clear dark plastic dubbed IcedAqua shown here. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

for the radio and Euro-only cell phone at the top, a circular video game style navigation control at center, surrounded by various buttons for the trip computer and preference settings, and Volvos highly intuitive pictograph actuated automatic climate control system at bottom. Four large circular dials surround the thin "remote," the top left for audio power and volume, top right for radio tuning and bass, mid, treble, side-to-side balance and front, rear speaker fade settings, while the two dials at the bottom, starting at the left, are for the climate systems fan speed or auto setting, and at right, temperature. I really like the way this is laid out, most of the

Volvo has found an excellent compromise between a compliant ride, and a sporting demeanor. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

buttons and dials are large enough to use with gloves (the Swedes understand cold weather), and its gorgeous to look at. I can see prospective customers falling for the V50 just because of the floating center stack.

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