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2008 Volvo V50 Features Review

July 22, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

As stock decks go, Volvo’s are better than average
Jalopnik

Simple, clever, practical, handsome, Swedish.
MyRide.com

popular options are mostly bundled into packages
Kelley Blue Book

Says Kelley Blue Book, “even in the base 2.4i trim, [the Volvo V50] features air conditioning, side-curtain airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), an engine immobilizer, traction control, rear fog lamp, keyless remote entry, heated power mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, a single CD player and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.”

Autoblog describes Volvo’s Dynamic Trim package as “a $1,895 bundle of body kit baubles we would normally forego.” It incorporates front and rear spoilers, rear valance panel, side sills, and lower moldings at the doors’ edges. Kelley Blue Book mentions that “popular options are mostly bundled into packages,” such as the Climate Package and Select Package. Stand-alone options include leather seating (2.4i), the Blind Spot Information System, and the five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission (2.4i). The T5 offers active bi-xenon headlamps, a sport steering wheel, sport suspension, 17-inch "Zaurak" wheels, navigation, and Volvo's Keyless Drive remote start system.

The biggest changes for technogeeks and audiophiles seem to center around the updated--and iconic--floating Volvo center stack, which can now be ordered in Nordic Light Oak or Virtual White (think Steve Jobs). The Auto Channel mentions “more dynamically styled instrument panels for the T5 model, Dynaudio speakers for the Premium Sound system, a new hard drive-based RTI road traffic information and satellite navigation system and a redesigned remote key fob with Auto Open and Auto Close for all side windows and sunroof.”

Navigation is standard on T5 models but not available on the 2.4i. Bluetooth is standard across the board. But inherent in the Volvo’s unique center panel design is the inability to upgrade to an aftermarket radio. Of the optional Dynaudio stereo, Jalopnik warns, “Don’t expect bass-thumping demonstrativeness…it’s strictly about midrange clarity.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Volvo V50 offers brilliant audio systems, navigation, and other technophile features—but you better be happy with the factory sound.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:As stock decks go, Volvo’s are better than averageJalopnikSimple, clever, practical, handsome, Swedish.MyRide.compopular options are mostly bundled into packagesKelley Blue Book Says Kelley Blue Book, “even in the base 2.4i trim, [the Volvo V50] features air conditioning, side-curtain airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), an engine immobilizer, traction control, rear fog lamp, keyless remote entry, heated power mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, a single CD player and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.” Autoblog describes Volvo’s Dynamic Trim package as “a $1,895 bundle of body kit baubles we would normally forego.” It incorporates front and rear spoilers, rear valance panel, side sills, and lower moldings at the doors’ edges. Kelley Blue Book mentions that “popular options are mostly bundled into packages,” such as the Climate Package and Select Package. Stand-alone options include leather seating (2.4i), the Blind Spot Information System, and the five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission (2.4i). The T5 offers active bi-xenon headlamps, a sport steering wheel, sport suspension, 17-inch "Zaurak" wheels, navigation, and Volvo's Keyless Drive remote start system. The biggest changes for technogeeks and audiophiles seem to center around the updated--and iconic--floating Volvo center stack, which can now be ordered in Nordic Light Oak or Virtual White (think Steve Jobs). The Auto Channel mentions “more dynamically styled instrument panels for the T5 model, Dynaudio speakers for the Premium Sound system, a new hard drive-based RTI road traffic information and satellite navigation system and a redesigned remote key fob with Auto Open and Auto Close for all side windows and sunroof.” Navigation is standard on T5 models but not available on the 2.4i. Bluetooth is standard across the board. But inherent in the Volvo’s unique center panel design is the inability to upgrade to an aftermarket radio. Of the optional Dynaudio stereo, Jalopnik warns, “Don’t expect bass-thumping demonstrativeness…it’s strictly about midrange clarity.” ConclusionThe 2008 Volvo V50 offers brilliant audio systems, navigation, and other technophile features—but you better be happy with the factory sound.  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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