2008 Volvo V50 vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.2 out of 10

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Jul 22, 2008

The 2008 Volvo V50 occupies a price range between that of economical five-door small hatchback models and wagon versions of smaller sport sedans such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series.

The more affordable Audi A3 is a closer rival to the V50 and includes a more fuel-efficient and surprisingly powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

However, the A3 isn’t as roomy inside; it doesn’t have many of the safety features that are optional in the V50.

Another possibility is the Subaru Impreza; in its base 2.5i form, it’s a much more affordable alternative, with standard all-wheel drive and performance from its horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that’s similar to that from the base five in the Volvo.

But the so-called Impreza Wagon is no longer a wagon—it’s a shorter five-door hatchback.

The 9-3 SportCombi, from Sweden’s other car brand, Saab, is perhaps the V50’s most direct rival, but the 9-3 SportCombi also has a cramped backseat while not offering the ride refinement and poise of the V50.

All-wheel drive isn’t available on the SportCombi either.

2008 Volvo V50 Browse Used Listings	2009 Audi A3 Browse Used Listings	2009 Saab 9-3 Browse Used Listings	2008 Subaru Impreza Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.2 The 2008 Volvo V50 has the efficiency and compactness of a small car with the available safety features and poise of a larger sport wagon.	8.4 The 2009 Audi A3 is more than a spruced-up VW hatchback, thanks to the fabulous interior, S-tronic transmission, and V-6 bark.	7.6 Despite rather conservative styling, the 2009 Saab 9-3 is one of the boldest performers in its class.	7.2 The comfortable 2008 Subaru Impreza has broader appeal than the former model, without losing its personality—and it’s the only small sedan model in its price range with standard all-wheel drive.
MSRP From
$26,815	$26,920	$30,360	$16,995
Gas Mileage
18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I5	Gas I4	Turbocharged I4	Gas Flat 4-Cyl
EPA Class
Small Station Wagon	Small Station Wgn	Compact	Sub-Compact
Style Name
4dr Wagon 2.4L FWD	4dr HB MT 2.0T FrontTrak S Line	4dr Sedan 2.0T Touring	4dr Man i
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
5 Door Wagon	4 Door HB	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Automatic,	Manual w/OD	Manual	Manual