4-7-2006 2006 Volvo V50 T5 by Dave Stall

2006 Volvo T50 is more than just a station wagon Even though I've driven just about everything under the sun, I'm partial to smaller, more efficient vehicles. That's why the 2006 Volvo T50 is just my kind of station wagon. Station wagons are a vehicle type you don't hear much about these days. While the rest of the competition keeps coming up with names such as "crossover" or "sport activity vehicle" for a station wagon, Volvo goes ahead and calls it's vehicle a small station wagon. Volvo has had no problem keeping the station wagon alive. It just keeps improving on a very functional design and the V50 is a fine example of that. The V50 has had just a few subtle changes from its inception in late 2004 (brought out as a 2005 model). A few of the upgrades include redesigned alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls, and improved cup holders that will help keep your java in its place. If you opt for the V50 T5, which is what I'm driving, you get even more. Order the Dynamic Trim Package (see the salesman at San Diego Volvo for a complete list) and get 17-inch Scotia wheels. The Sport Package includes sport suspension, which gives this station wagon a sports car feel on the open road. The Volvo V50 T5 is powered by a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder turbocharged all-aluminum engine, which comes with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. That gives it a very impressive 218 horsepower at 5,000 RPM and 236 pound-foot of torque at 1,500 to 4,800 RPM. Talk about a power range. If you're not into turbocharging, Volvo offers a 2.4-liter, five-cylinder normally aspirated engine that gets the same mileage as the turbocharged engine, but with an automatic transmission. The T50 is front-wheel drive and if you love a stick shift like I do, you can opt for the six-speed manual. My tester came with a very efficient five-speed automatic transmission with Geartronics. If Volvo keeps working on it, I may be won over when it comes to transmission choices. I really liked the driver's seat, which is very supportive and comes with more adjustments than I need. If you have a long load and need the total length of the inside of the V50, all you need to do is power lower the seat back, flip it forward and it will lay almost flat so your load can be loaded with ease. In the back cargo area Volvo put a grocery catcher that flips up when needed (see photo). On the back of the driver's and passenger's seats are "kangaroo pouches" for maps, papers or whatever fits. The backseat back folds down (otherwise, it wouldn't be a true station wagon) but you can opt for splitting the back seat 60/40, depending on your load. The dash layout is simple but functional. The center dash houses all of what you need to operate the great sound system, which includes AM/FM/single CD/Active Sound Control/Scan and Autostore, all pumped through a 4X20 watt amplifier into six well-placed speakers. You also get a trip computer, which I haven't seen in a while but it could be helpful on a trip. Of course, it has power windows with automatic up and down mode at all windows, a great set of fog lights, ęplus heated, power outside mirrors that also house turn signal indicators. There's a fully adjustable steering wheel that's leather wrapped, along with the shift knob. The interior has splashes of aluminum that add to the V50's look. It also has stability traction control, front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, multi-link rear suspension with coil over springs, four-wheel power assisted disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake assist, and a power assisted electro-hydraulic rack and pinion steering. What does all that mean? It corners and handles the road as if it owns it. Volvo thought of safety when safety wasn't cool. This car is so full of safety features that you will need to have your salesperson show you all the features and benefits - they're too many to include in this review. The Volvo T50 is covered by a 48-month/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty. If you're looking for the price, you need to drive it first, pick out all the options you would like, then decide. The base price for the V50 T5 is $27,840 and my test wagon came to $34,500, but you get a lot for your money when you decide on a Volvo. So stop by San Diego Volvo at 5316 Kearny Mesa Road in San Diego or visit a Volvo dealer in your neighborhood. You won't be disappointed.