Like any self-respecting wagon, the V50 offers generous cargo room. The trunk easily managed to accommodate all our shooting equipment, which is almost a feat considering our multiple cameras, tripods and other boxes. Loading items into the car also proved easy thanks to the low cargo threshold.

A 227-hp 5-cylinder turbocharged engine -- the most potent engine ever offered with the V50 -- powered my T5 tester.

Swedish power
A 227-hp 5-cylinder turbocharged engine -- the most potent engine ever offered with the V50 -- powered my T5 tester. Accelerations and passing maneuvers are decent, with a surprising amount of low-end grunt. The turbo is refined and operates imperceptibly. Meanwhile, the transmission is precise, with six well-calibrated gears (five could have been enough; the sixth gear was essentially added to improve fuel economy on the highway).

On the road, the V50 is pleasant and surefooted. The suspension is just firm enough to ensure a nice balance between ride and handling. This car makes the most of road conditions. It handles like a charm while offering flawless visibility and a superb driving position.

Feedback from the steering is clear and quite appreciated, although the light calibration becomes a handicap when dealing with the engine's 236 lb-ft of torque under acceleration. As a result, the car feels a bit unstable at times.

In short, the 2008 Volvo V50 T5 is a fine automobile in every sense of the word. The driving experience is fantastic, while the build quality is beyond reproach, both inside and out. My only real complaint would probably be the high pricing across the lineup.

The 2008 Volvo V50 T5 is a fine automobile in every sense of the word. The driving experience is fantastic.

Photo Credit : Volvo