My review off the Volvo V50

The Volvo V50 was a replacement for the older S40/V40 models and its based on the very popular and excellent MK3 Ford Focus,it also shares the same engine range as the focus right from a 125bhp 1.6 litre 16v to the 220bhp 2.5 litre turbocharged 20v engine as seen in the Focus ST.
I have driven 3 different models off the V50 while working at for a Volvo specialists, first was the V50 1.8 16v version, then a 2.4 20v and then finaly the 2.0d.
Ii have to say driving the V50 is a dream, the Focus chassis is one off the best in its class.......the body feels stiff and taught while comfy over rough roads and the steering feels sharp with enough feel through the wheel to make you feel in control.
The 1800 (duratec) engine is smooth and refined but lacks power in the weighty V50, where as the 2.4 20v 170bhp version i drove was impressive, the 20v engines are toruqey from low down and combined with a manual gearbox makes it very nice to drive lazy in, when you want to play the 2.4 can impress far better then the V70's with the same engine as it really starts to fly with the sweet engine note from the 5 cylinder. But as usual with most cars now days the diesel is the impressive version, the 2.0D is the same engine found in the 2 litre TDCI focus and lots of french cars, it makes 136bhp and around 240lb/sf of toruque from 1800rpm.
The 2.0D uses a variable vein turbo which makes the engine suprizingly responsive, it pull really well and i can only emagine it would be rapid with a remap!
Anyway if i was in the market for a smaller family car like this i would take the V50 hands down, it better looking than the Focus and there are some really nice alloy wheels to choose from making it a stunning car.

thanks

jason