For Has decent grunt and manages 38mpg – only a couple less than the entry-level 1.6. SE Lux trim comes with loads of extras, including heated front seats with electronic adjustment for the driver.

Against SE Lux trim is pricey, and includes many creature comforts V50 buyers won’t deem necessary.

Volvo V50 Estate

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

The 2.0 is worth a look if you don’t do many miles, but save cash and go for SE trim. Even better, choose a more frugal diesel-engined model.

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Key facts

0–60mph
9 secs
Top speed
130 mph
Average mpg
37.2
Tank range
450 miles
See all running costs

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The V50 is the estate version of the S40, which is based on the same platform as the Ford Focus.

On the plus side, that means you’ll have plenty of fun driving a V50, but at the same time, it can look an expensive buy – especially when it’s not as spacious or practical as you might expect.

Because resale values aren’t great, the best way to avoid losing big bucks is to pay as little as you can when buying. That means going for an entry-level trim and one of the smaller engines, but also getting as big a discount as you can.

Our favourite is the 1.6D DRIVe model, with stop/start and its engine tuned for economy, giving sub-100g/km emissions. The basic 1.6 petrol engine needs working hard, but the larger petrol engines or the diesels are much better – albeit much more expensive as well.

Before you buy, make sure you check out the current promotions at volvocars.co.uk. You may find things such as free servicing or competitive finance offers.

Reader test team says:

Volvo V50 Estate 2.4 D5 SE 5dr

Bought this car second hand back in July and have…

Ken Whitmore

5 out of 5 stars

Volvo V50 Estate 2.0D R-Design 5dr

I have had my 09 company car (march2009) 2 1/4…

Nigel Spencer

3 out of 5 stars

Volvo V50 Estate 2.0 D4 R-Design 5dr

Having owned a current model BMW 3 Series Touring,…

Paul Davidson

5 out of 5 stars

Volvo V50 Estate 1.6D DRIVe SE Lux S/S 5dr

Had my volvo about 3 months now. Bought it when it…

Richard Bayley

4 out of 5 stars
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