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2009 Volvo V50 Features Review

February 21, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a bundle of body kit baubles we would normally forego
Autoblog

more dynamically styled instrument panels for the T5
The Auto Channel

popular options are mostly bundled into packages
Kelley Blue Book

As with Volvo's C30 hatchback and S40 sedan, the base model of the V50 is reasonably well equipped and very attractively priced, with an extensive list of options and ever-escalating prices.

Kelley Blue Book reports 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.

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.

“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,” says Kelley Blue Book.

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.” The biggest changes for technogeeks and audiophiles seem to center around the updated Volvo center stack, which can now be ordered in Nordic Light Oak or Virtual White (think Steve Jobs).

Of the optional Dynaudio stereo, Jalopnik warns, “Don’t expect bass-thumping demonstrativeness…it’s strictly about midrange clarity.” 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.

Conclusion

Brilliant audio systems, navigation, and other technophile features make the 2009 Volvo V50 a great choice among its competition.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:a bundle of body kit baubles we would normally foregoAutoblogmore dynamically styled instrument panels for the T5The Auto Channelpopular options are mostly bundled into packagesKelley Blue Book As with Volvo's C30 hatchback and S40 sedan, the base model of the V50 is reasonably well equipped and very attractively priced, with an extensive list of options and ever-escalating prices. Kelley Blue Book reports 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. 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. “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,” says Kelley Blue Book. 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.” The biggest changes for technogeeks and audiophiles seem to center around the updated Volvo center stack, which can now be ordered in Nordic Light Oak or Virtual White (think Steve Jobs). Of the optional Dynaudio stereo, Jalopnik warns, “Don’t expect bass-thumping demonstrativeness…it’s strictly about midrange clarity.” 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. ConclusionBrilliant audio systems, navigation, and other technophile features make the 2009 Volvo V50 a great choice among its competition.  2009 VOLVO V50 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: “athletic, highlighted by short overhangs and bulging fenders” Edmunds: “Volvo didn't automatically commit to the 'longer, lower, wider' philosophy” Cars.com: “substantially freshened” The 2009 Volvo V50 remains fresh and ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The 2009 Volvo V50 occupies the price range of smaller sport sedans such as the Audi A3 and BMW 3-Series. The more affordable Audi A3 is a closer rival to the V50, but the A3 isn’t as roomy inside and doesn’t have as many of the safety features that are optional in the V50. The A3 does feature a more fuel-efficient, and surprisingly powerful, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In its base 2.5i form, the Subaru Impreza is 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; compared to the V50, the 9-3 SportCombi doesn't offer any more usable interior space, but it does promise more performance, with a more powerful line of four-cylinder and V-6 turbocharged engines. And all-wheel drive is now available throughout the 9-3 lineup—as opposed to on a single model as in the V50. The new VW Jetta Sportwagen is another close competitor; compared to the V50, the Sportwagen also feels very refined inside and has the settled ride of a larger car; the VW also has an interior configuration that feels roomier than that of the V50, although the V50 maintains a more distinctive appearance and feel inside.

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See the Volvo V50 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

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