New 2010 Volvo V50

Bringing sexy back to the wagon segment, the cavernous Volvo V50 five-passenger compact sports wagon shares many of the same features as its sibling S40 sedan plus increased utility and fuel efficiency for 2010.

The 2010 Volvo V50 faces competition from Audi A4 Avant, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen and is available in 2.4i and all-wheel-drive T5 R-Design trim levels. The base engine for the 2.4i is a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-5 coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission and EPA fuel economy ratings are a cool 20 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The high-performance T5 R-Design is powered by a 227-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-5 mated to a new-for-2010 standard six-speed manual transmission or available five-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy ratings top out at 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. With a sleek exterior, the T5 R-Design differentiates itself from the 2.4i with a unique grille, sport body kit and front and rear spoilers. A Multimedia package available only on the T5 R-Design features a 12-speaker Dynaudio surround-sound system with satellite radio.

Sitting on shiny 17-inch aluminum wheels, standard features include mirror-integrated turn signals, fog lights and aluminum roof rails on the T5 R-Design. Inside, the T5 R-Design is adorned in leather upholstery. Automatic dual-zone climate control, eight-speaker sound system with in-dash CD player and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob are standard features across the model lineup. A new Preferred Package includes a power glass moon roof and keyless drive and the Climate Package offers heated front seats and headlight washers. A navigation system is also available as an option. Passenger volume is 93 cubic feet and cargo volume is 63 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seats folded flat.

Synonymous with safety, standard technologies in the 2010 Volvo V50 include an antilock braking system with brake assist, side-impact and side curtain airbags, electronic stability system with traction control to help keep you on the road and a security system. A blind spot warning system and rain-sensing windshield wipers are optional.

If you’re in the market for a sports wagon, it’ll be hard to top the 2010 Volvo V50 with its impressive fuel economy ratings, available packages, standard safety features and ample passenger/cargo volume.