Review
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.
- Golf £21,900
- Astra £22,520
- Mégane £23,765
- 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.
- Golf 30.86/£24,688
- Astra 33.30/£26,640
- Mégane 33.67/£26,936
- 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).
- Golf £316 (Fleetline)
- Astra £317 (Day’s)
- Mégane £331 (FleetLine)
- 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
Author:
Simon Harris
Specs
Manufacturer | Volvo |
Model | V50 |
Specification | |
Model Year | 0.00 |
Annual VED (Road tax) | £0 |
BIK List Price | £24,915 |
CO2 | 134g/km |
BIK Percentage | 18% |
Insurance Group | N/A |
CC | N/A |
Fuel Type | |
Vehicle Type | |
Luggage capacity (Seats up) | N/A |
Running Costs
P11D | £24,915 |
Cost per mile | 41.72ppm |
Residual value | £7,875 |
Insurance group | N/A |
Fuel Type | |
Cost per mile | 0.00ppm |
Fuel | 0.00ppm |
Depreciation | 0.00ppm |
Service maintenance and repair | 0.00ppm |
Info at a glance
-
P11D Price
£24,915
-
MPG
55.4 -
CO2 Emissions
134g/km -
BIK %
18% -
Running cost
3 Year 60k : 41.72 4 Year 80k : £5,950 -
Fuel Type