2007 Volvo V50 Review

The 2007 Volvo S40 sedan and its nearly identically equipped wagon version, the V50, come in two primary versions, the sporty 2.4i or the high-performance, more luxurious T5. The 2.4i models have a 168-horsepower, 2.4L inline five-cylinder engine, while the sporty T5 models step up to a 218-horsepower, 2.5L turbocharged inline five. T5 models are available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD), while all 2.4i models have front-wheel drive. The front-wheel-drive T5s come only with automatic transmission, but 2.4i and T5 AWD models can have either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The automatic has a Geartronic function that allows manual selection of gears besides the standard automatic mode.

The S40 and V50 make a strong impression inside, where their distinctive interiors stand out from the competition. The instrument panel design borrows heavily from the styling of high-end audio components, especially with the memorable, thin "floating" center stack that houses audio and climate control functions and allows open space behind. The rest of the interior also uses fashionable materials. The rear seats are split 60/40 and fold forward for larger cargo items; on sedans there's also a small cargo pass-through.

Both of these vehicles have standard side-impact air bags for front occupants and with side-curtain air bags for all outboard occupants, along with a whiplash protection seating system for front-seat occupants. Anti-lock brakes are standard, and new for this year, Volvo's dynamic stability traction control (DSTC) is standard across both model lines.

Even in base 2.4i form, the S40 and V50 come equipped like luxury cars, with equipment like full power accessories, heated mirrors, and a six-speaker Dolby CD sound system all standard. The S40 and V50 still have a long list of options, but many of them have been streamlined into specialized packages. On 2.4i models, the Select Package, Sport Package, and Climate Package bundle popular options, while on T5 models the Premium Package, Dynamic Trim Package, and Audio Package bring together some of the top options.

Especially of note are the Sport Packages; handling is already an emphasis on all S40 and V50 models, but they bring especially sharp reflexes for those who like taking curvy roads. The Dynamic Trim Package on the T5 adds Volvo's dynamic sport suspension, 17-inch "Scotia" alloy wheels, revised spoilers, and special trim inside. Available on the 2.4i, the Sport Package brings the dynamic sport suspension, fog lamps, aluminum and leather trim, and 17-inch "Sagitta" alloys.

On the T5, the Premium Package includes leather upholstery, a power moonroof, a memory driver seat, and a garage door opener. Standalone options include Keyless Drive, a DVD navigation system, and bi-xenon headlamps.
Volvo's compact S40 sedan and closely related V50 wagon get a streamlined array of options and packages for 2007, along with revised equipment and some new standard features. Volvo's dynamic stability traction control (DSTC) is now standard on all models, while sporty T5 models now get a standard five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. A redesigned overhead console is now standard, Sirius satellite radio is a new option, and an auxiliary input and MP3 capability are now available. Other new options include Keyless Drive and a couple of distinctive 17-inch alloy wheel designs. A new Body Styling Package is available in all colors except Electric Silver, and there's also a new color, Titanium Grey, which replaces Flint Gray. see less