While the base model is impressive, enthusiasts will find the brand's top-tier V50 T5 even more enticing. A turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder makes up to 220-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, standard in front-wheel drive or distributed automatically between the front and rear wheels via an electronically controlled Haldex all-wheel drive power transfer system.

The top-tier V50 T5 should have enthusiasts drooling, with a 220-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The standard transmission, which was initially developed for Volvo's ultra-hot S60 R and V70 R, features six forward gears for superior performance. Like the 5-speed unit, it's about as smooth shifting as manuals get, while the clutch is light, but not overly so. The top model will offer an optional 5-speed automatic gearbox as well, which like the base engine also features the Swedish manufacturer's Geartronic sequential mode.

The turbodiesel engine offered in the V50 is great, and if dealers get enough requests it may show up in Canada. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

I took the opportunity to drive all available engines, including the awesome PSA built 2.0-L 4-cylinder turbodiesel (that may be coming to Canada if dealers get enough requests), and found a variety of flexible, enthusiastic powerplants. The T5 is obviously the most energetic, charging forward with an unexpected surge of urgency right off the line. I tried it in both 6-speed manual trim, a smooth, short-throw shifter that begs to be rowed through the gears over and over again, and the 5-speed Geartronic. This last component is a pretty sophisticated piece of machinery, featuring adaptive logic if kept in drive. It shifts smoothly, spinning freely to redline if called upon or alternatively, shifting low in the rev range to optimize fuel when getting there quickly is low in priority.