Volvo V50

By Chris Thorp

21st March 2007

	Technical details are still scarce, but the so-called 'lifestyle estate' is expected to be larger than the existing V50. This will help the Volvo to fit more comfortably into conventional class sizes, unlike the current model

Auto Express has received exclusive information about the firm's next generation, and we can reveal the new look that's set to spread across the range, including replacements for the current S40 and V50.

The pictures in this week's mag show how the latter will shape up, shunning the conservative lines of the current car in favour of a smart new appearance.

The key to Volvo's new line-up of models is the XC60 SUV, which was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January. A source within the company told Auto Express: "The XC60 concept was produced firstly to showcase a new off-roader, but also displayed design elements for all future Volvos."

After the new SUV has gone into production at the end of next year and joined the UK line-up in January 2009, the first official images of the V50 will be revealed. While the current car is simply an estate version of the S40 saloon, the newcomer is set to become a model in its own right.

Technical details are still scarce, but the so-called 'lifestyle estate' is expected to be larger than the existing V50. This will help the Volvo to fit more comfortably into conventional class sizes, unlike the current model, which is too small to compete with compact executive rivals. As a result, the next-generation V50 will be a genuine challenger to Audi's A4 Avant, Mercedes' C-Class estate and BMW's 3-Series Touring.

Inside, the new Volvo's larger dimen­sions will make space for a more practical cabin. A new version of the firm's trademark floating centre console will feature in the interior.

The V50 is expected to be based on an evolution of the current car's platform, and will build on the strong refinement and performance of the existing machine. Using the latest petrol and diesel engines from parent company Ford, the V50 will be available with both front and four-wheel drive.

To give Volvo the full complement of models to take on Germany's top executive manufacturers, the V50 will be joined by a new S40, which will rival cars such as BMW's 3-Series saloon. As with the estate, it will feature Volvo's new corporate shape, but in a sleek four-door body, and will have several unique styling features.

While the fresh look is sure to widen Volvo's appeal, it will be some time before the new S40 and V50 appear in showrooms. With the firm's model life cycle typically a lengthy seven to eight years, don't expect to see the estate until 2010. To keep the current variants looking modern, a facelift is due later this year.

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