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2008 Volvo V50 Review

July 22, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

looks as if it had spent many a long winter's night at a Swedish gym
Car and Driver

substantially freshened for 2008
Cars.com

Volvo didn't automatically commit to the 'longer, lower, wider' philosophy
Edmunds

Fresh and modern at its 2004 introduction, the 2008 Volvo V50 welcomes exterior and interior tweaks to keep it competitive and address some niggles with the interior.

With an exterior described by Car and Driver as “athletic, highlighted by short overhangs and bulging fenders,” Volvo adds, according to Cars.com, a “V-shaped hood bulge [that] runs into a more sculpted nose” and a broader lower air intake for the 2008 model year. Further exterior changes include a Volvo logo 50 percent bigger than before, high-intensity LED rear lights, and restyled front projector beam headlights.

Inside, the V50 provides a functional, cool place to work its controls. Kelley Blue Book says the V50’s interior is “Scandinavian in nature” and that it must surely “qualify as no-frills.” The interior retains “the button-and-knob-infused stack” that “isn't immediately intuitive,” according to Car and Driver, but Volvo has made numerous changes in response to complaints. Chief among the changes are additional storage cubbies for “more storage space in the doors and the center console,” Motor Trend says. Cars.com adds that “the center armrest is modified for greater comfort, and the handbrake handle is smaller and less intrusive.” Of the V50’s tailgate, Automobile feels that its “V70-like tailgate,” a standard clamshell design, is “a shame--designers should have gone with a wackier C30-like butt.”

Conclusion

Subtle changes inside and out make the 2008 Volvo V50 an even more aesthetically pleasing ride.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:looks as if it had spent many a long winter's night at a Swedish gymCar and Driversubstantially freshened for 2008Cars.comVolvo didn't automatically commit to the 'longer, lower, wider' philosophyEdmunds Fresh and modern at its 2004 introduction, the 2008 Volvo V50 welcomes exterior and interior tweaks to keep it competitive and address some niggles with the interior. With an exterior described by Car and Driver as “athletic, highlighted by short overhangs and bulging fenders,” Volvo adds, according to Cars.com, a “V-shaped hood bulge [that] runs into a more sculpted nose” and a broader lower air intake for the 2008 model year. Further exterior changes include a Volvo logo 50 percent bigger than before, high-intensity LED rear lights, and restyled front projector beam headlights. Inside, the V50 provides a functional, cool place to work its controls. Kelley Blue Book says the V50’s interior is “Scandinavian in nature” and that it must surely “qualify as no-frills.” The interior retains “the button-and-knob-infused stack” that “isn't immediately intuitive,” according to Car and Driver, but Volvo has made numerous changes in response to complaints. Chief among the changes are additional storage cubbies for “more storage space in the doors and the center console,” Motor Trend says. Cars.com adds that “the center armrest is modified for greater comfort, and the handbrake handle is smaller and less intrusive.” Of the V50’s tailgate, Automobile feels that its “V70-like tailgate,” a standard clamshell design, is “a shame--designers should have gone with a wackier C30-like butt.” ConclusionSubtle changes inside and out make the 2008 Volvo V50 an even more aesthetically pleasing ride.  2008 VOLVO V50 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: “looks as if it had spent many a long winter's night at a Swedish gym” Cars.com: “substantially freshened for 2008” Edmunds: “Volvo didn't automatically commit to the 'longer, lower, wider' philosophy” Fresh and modern at its ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

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.

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See the Volvo V50 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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