Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo V50 R-Design

Sporty styling and hi-tech auto gearbox give compact Volvo estate a boost.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Volvo V50
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

THE V50 has always been a very stylish estate – it’s just not as spacious or as much fun to drive as the Ford Focus on which it’s based. Still, the car is much more practical than its S40 sister, and better looking to boot. This R-Design Sport model takes things a step further with a finely judged assortment of racy styling enhancements. As for the Powershift gearbox, it’s smooth and works well with the diesel engine to offer a refined and classy driving experience. However, keen drivers would probably be better saving their money and going for the manual version.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The V50 is Volvo’s top-seller – so how do you make it even more appealing? Simple: add a racy bodykit and give it parent firm Ford’s latest twin-clutch auto gearbox. The result is the V50 R-Design Sport Powershift.

However, while the compact estate has always been popular, it’s also costly and not very spacious. Are the updates enough to overcome this?

We’ve already seen the R-Design Sport styling upgrades on the C30 (driven in Issue 990), and they’re just as striking here. With a mesh front grille, bodykit, 17-inch alloys, roof spoiler and R-Design badges, the car stands out. Cabin changes include the introduction of two-tone hide upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, aluminium centre stack and blue dials.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

GLB

2023 Mercedes

GLB

44,755 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £25,500
View GLB
Kodiaq

2022 Skoda

Kodiaq

34,588 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £22,700
View Kodiaq
X3

2020 BMW

X3

50,935 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £22,700
View X3
Golf Estate

2024 Volkswagen

Golf Estate

62,728 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £14,500
View Golf Estate

The visual updates are worthwhile – but what about that box? The Powershift six-speeder is the same as in the Focus. A rival to the likes of VW’s DSG, it is available only on the 134bhp 2.0-litre diesel model at present. Thanks to a hefty 320Nm torque output, the V50 covers 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds (two-tenths down on the manual version), while averaging 47.1mpg and emitting 159g/km of CO2.

The transmission feels like a very smooth auto. But keen drivers would still be better off with a conventional three-pedal set-up; there is no sport setting or steering wheel paddleshifters, and the manual mode is not especially intuitive.

Still, leave the selector in ‘D’ and you can cruise in a relaxed manner. The engine is quiet and there’s very little road noise. Only the firm ride hampers refinement. The V50 isn’t much fun in corners – the steering is numb – but fine build quality gives the car a prestige feel.

The Volvo isn’t as big as a Focus estate, offering 417 litres and 1,307 litres of load space with the seats up or down respectively. Also, when you add the £1,250 Powershift gearbox, this R-Design Sport weighs in at a hefty £22,420. We’d go for the regular manual car, which with the R-Design Sport tweaks is slick and stylish, but at a more reasonable price.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £8,595
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £13,600
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,647 off RRP*Used from £10,495
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,153 off RRP*Used from £15,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025