And standard equipment is something the V50 2.4i isn't shy of. Volvo has heavily laden its North American

Volvo has heavily laden its North American entry-level wagon with plenty of what drivers this side of the pond have come to expect in the V50's price range. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

entry-level wagon with plenty of what drivers this side of the pond have come to expect in the V50's price range. Standard equipment includes cruise control, delayed lighting, air conditioning, outside temperature gauge, AM/FM CD six-speaker audio, pollen filter, power windows with auto-up and down, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, power locks and electronic key with immobilization. Moving upscale into the V50 T5 and T5 AWD adds additional content. If the comforts of leather upholstery, heated power front seats, glass moonroof, premium sound and navigation are prerequisites to Volvo ownership, they and much more are available in several option package upgrades. I am pleased to see that Volvo doesn't require purchasers to invest in an option package in order to equip the

The Volvo V50 is a tremendously satisfying compact wagon. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

V50 with the Dynamic Stability Traction Control program. Safety is something that should be available across the board, not linked to leather seats and fancy trim. Going a step further, or should I say, a skid further, Volvo could enhance its stellar reputation for safety by making DSTC standard equipment - so why not? Aside from this, the V50 is a tremendously satisfying compact wagon. It delivers refinement as-good-as-it-gets in the realm of five-cylinder wagons, although a little more zip under the right foot, without paying the T5 premium, would make the former wallflower a near perfect standout.