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2005 Volvo V50 Preview
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The 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a four-wheel independent suspension comprised of MacPherson struts in front and a multilink arrangement in back. Available on V50s without the AWD system is a sports suspension with stiffer springs, a lowered ride height, 18-inch wheels shod with P215/45R18 tires, dual exhaust outlets and an aero body kit. Inside, the same ultra-slim center console that debuted in the redesigned 2004.5 Volvo S40 dominates the cabin design. Behind this thin center stack control panel is a practical, illuminated storage area. Three types of trim are available for this slick control panel: monochrome in off black or dark beige to match the rest of the interior; wood effect; or real aluminum. Cloth, leather and Dala (a ribbed T-Tec textile inspired by sportswear and modern travel accessories) upholstery choices are available. The Volvo V50 can be equipped with a keyless drive system designed to help prevent theft and accidental lockout, and also to provide programming options for the power door locks. With keyless drive, the car can be unlocked, started and driven without actually inserting a key as long as a specially coded fob is located near (for unlocking) and within (for starting and driving) the car. This feature will be optional at an undetermined time after the Volvo V50's initial launch. Also available is an impressive 445-watt Dolby Surround Pro Logic II sound system, and laminated glass to prevent smash-and-grab break-ins. With rear seats that split fold, a front passenger seat that also folds flat, and available all-wheel-drive or sports suspension tuning, it's clear that the new V50 is designed to appeal to people looking for one entry-luxury vehicle that can do it all. At first glance, it seems that the 2005 Volvo V50 is on target.
-- Photos courtesy of Volvo Cars of North America
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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