Under the V50's distinctive skin, Volvo's Intelligent Vehicle Architecture System (VIVA) employs four different grades of steel in the front construction to provide maximum occupant safety through several crumple zones. Outer zones are designed to achieve maximum deformation and crash energy absorption while inner zones are designed for less deformation and maximum occupant protection. Notably, Volvo has chosen to engineer this new wagon with upper side members to provide maximum protection in the event a truck or other tall-riding vehicle collides with the V50. Added safety is provided through an impressive lineup of standard technologies such as collapsible pedals, dual stage airbags, pretensioners for all outboard seating positions, force limiters for front seatbelts, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) seats, and a Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) of side-impact airbags and inflatable side curtains. Clearly, occupant safety was a driving force behind the design of the 2005 Volvo V50. The standard engine is a 168-horsepower inline five-cylinder displacing 2.4 liters. Sporty T5 models have a light-pressure turbocharged 2.5-liter inline five good for 218 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Both motors feature variable camshaft timing. An adaptive five-speed automatic transfers the power to either the front wheels or all four. Unlike with the V40, all-wheel-drive is optional on the Volvo V50. The electronically controlled Haldex system reacts within a fraction of a slipping wheel's rotation to transfer power rearward for increased grip and traction. Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with panic-braking assistance and traction control are standard. Stability control is optional.
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