Six years into its life cycle, the V50 is still a desirable car, perhaps only showing signs of its age in its appearance (other small Volvos have begun to adopt the new S60 family ‘face’) and a few areas of refinement and noise insulation.

But the excellent new five-cylinder engine combines strong performance with competitive fuel economy. It has given the V50 a new lease of life.

Rivals to consider

• Renault Mégane Sport Tourer 2.0 dCi GT
• Vauxhall Astra Sport Tourer 2.0 CDTi SRi
• VW Golf estate 2.0 TDI Sportline

P11D price

The Volvo’s R-Design specification looks expensive in this company, and you wonder whether some of the styling kit could be delivered in a less expensive package.

1. Golf £21,900
2. Astra £22,520
3. Mégane £23,765
4. V50 £25,150

Emissions and tax

A middle score for the Volvo here on CO2 emissions, but it looks more impressive when you consider that the V50 is the most powerful car here by far.

      1.  Golf 128g/km/18%
      2= V50 134g/km/18%
      2= Astra 134g/km/18%
      4.  Mégane 155g/km/23%

Fuel costs

The CO2 emissions rankings are reflected in the fuel costs scores, and while the V50 works out at a little more expensive than the Golf over 80,000 miles, it has a 37bhp advantage.

      1.  Golf 9.40/£7,520
      2= V50 9.77/£7,816
      2= Astra 9.77/£7,816
      4.  Mégane 11.30/£9,040

Running costs

The V50’s relatively high P11D value counts against it here, because although it has a competitive RV forecast percentage, it’s higher front end price results in a costlier ppm figure.

1. Golf 30.86/£24,688
2. Astra 33.30/£26,640
3. Mégane 33.67/£26,936
4. V50 34.87/£27,896

Leasing rates

Volvo is quite expensive on contract hire, but is more powerful and better equipped than rivals.
Lowest contract hire rates from www.comparecontracthire.com (excluding VAT).

1. Golf £316 (Fleetline)
2. Astra £317 (Day’s)
3. Mégane £331 (FleetLine)
4. V50 £390 (FleetLine)

Verdict

If it was a competition of on-road performance, the Volvo’s powerful yet frugal engine would win a decisive victory.

It proves costly, though and the Golf scores high for desirability. But we’re judging estate cars here, and the Astra’s competitive cost position and good load-lugging performance would give it the nod from us.

Winner: Vauxhall Astra Sport Tourer