If you look up the definition of 'Estate Car' in any dictionary, it will say: "See Volvo."
Volvo is an iconic family brand, which makes owners feel very happy about their choice of vehicle. In fact, this year sees the firm celebrating the 50th anniversary of its most famous invention, the safety belt. Volvo has a stated aim that "nobody should be killed or injured in a Volvo by 2020" - again, Volvo is determined to lead the way in terms of occupant safety. Volvos are sturdy, strong and safe but now thanks to a new range of 'DRIVe' models, they're green, too. Sadly, they're still a bit pricey. But can that price be justified?
The V50 'DRIVe' is an interesting new offering; the boxy estate remains an appealing car, which has had a few subtle exterior changes to make it slip through the air in a more efficient way. Inside the comfy cabin there's a new gear shift indicator, which states the obvious to anyone attempting to drive economically.
So what else has been done to make the V50 more eco friendly? Volvo has fitted the usual bits and pieces that we've come to expect like low rolling resistance tyres, which cut down on fuel consumption. The car's aerodynamic performance has been improved and the engine's gearing changed to maximise economy - plus there are some other minor tweaks here and there. The result is that CO2 is down from 132 to 118g/km over the standard 1.6 diesel 109bhp V50. Fuel consumption averages out at 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres (I managed an average of 5.7 in my week with the car).
With prices starting at €29,850, the V50 DRIVe (the estate version of the S40) is the smallest estate in the Volvo DRIVe stable. While the five-seat car is based on the Ford Focus, the price tag is not. Yes, the V50 is a posher experience and the perception inside and out is that of a premium car. But, with every cent mattering these days, the asking price is contentious.
The DRIVe V50 falls into the low €104 tax band and can deliver great fuel consumption for its size, so you would certainly have to add it to any list of family cars to test. As a driving experience the V50 handles well and, while hardly sporting, gives the driver a sense of competence and security behind the wheel. The V50 is all about versatility and with a cargo area that ranges in size from a useful 417 litres in the boot, rising to 1307 with the seats folded down, this is a true family car.
Next year we will see 'Stop/Start' versions of DRIVe models become available in Ireland, delivering even lower CO2. Prices will rise slightly in the V50's case but the Stop/Start version will remain in the same tax band as the present DRIVe. The S40 DRIVe with Stop/Start has recently been crowned What Car's - Green Car of the Year.
The Volvo estate has always been the poster car for the Swedish carmaker as the load lugging variant symbolises safety and style with the family unit to the fore. Price aside, the V50 DRIVe continues that tradition and would be a welcome addition to the Sheridan household.
Michael Sheridan
