Volvo V50 DRIVe start-stop

Expert Rating:

Introduction

Environmentally friendly cars have traditionally been small, supermini and city cars and hybrids. Volvo's DRIVe line-up breaks that rule, the C30, S40 and V50 all offering CO₂ emissions of just 104g/km from their 1.6-litre turbodiesel engines. This V50 estate is the car for the family who likes to recycle together, the Volvo offering the space for all the bottles, cardboard and newspapers in its boot, while still carrying five people economically in comfort.

What is it?

A Volvo estate, but forget about the old image of big boxy machines, as the V50 is a mid-sized car that, while practical, doesn't sacrifice style for its carrying capacity. It's an estate car you'll be happy to be seen in and that cuts it among more prestigious 'lifestyle' estates costing a good bit more. The DRIVe model has already been introduced in the showrooms, but this V50 adds Start/Stop to its slipperier shape and small diesel engine, which drops the CO₂ emissions from 119g/km to 104g/km and enables this family machine to cover over 70 miles for every gallon of diesel you put in it.

How does it drive?

The medium-sized V50 using the same small 1.6-litre turbodiesel as Volvo's smaller models might not sound like an ideal combination, but it actually works in reality. Its 10.9-second 0-62mph time is respectable enough and you'll never need its 118mph capability. What you might use is its load capacity, the V50 offering 947 litres of boot space with the seats folded and 433 litres with them in place.

The DRIVe badge brings with it slipper aerodynamics, which is aided by a slightly lower ride height. There are low rolling resistance tyres too, as well as that Start/Stop system. These all combine to allow the V50 DRIVe Start/Stop to return its impressive economy and emissions figures. Like the rest of the DRIVe models there are very few compromises for the planet saving numbers, the V50's engine pulling strongly enough, its relatively low 107bhp backed up by a healthy 177lb.ft of torque. So long as you're not a foot-to-the-floor driver and adjust your expectations a touch the 1.6-litre unit does an effective job. It's also quiet.

The gearshift isn't the slickest though and you'll never be discussing with enthusiasm fine steering feel - turning the wheel results in the car changing direction, but little in the way of feedback. However, it grips decently enough and the suspension adeptly balances control and comfort. The V50 is a perfectly accomplished all-rounder that does everything a conventional car does, but with the sort of economy figures hybrid drivers might expect. When you stop, it does too, the engine switching off at the lights and in stationary traffic. Just press down the clutch and it re-fires and off you go, the Start/Stop system the only thing that'll be a surprise to those who have never experienced it before.

Planet hugger or planet mugger?

Hugger. We couldn't believe that Volvo has managed to get the V50 to achieve the same 104g/km and 72.4mpg as its much smaller C30 relative. To put those numbers into perspective the official combined economy figure this decent-sized Volvo estate manages are exactly the same as the T3 specification Toyota Prius - the darling of the green set. Its CO₂ figure is higher than the Toyota's, but given the significant increase in size and usefulness Volvo's achievement with the DRIVe Start/Stop is really quite remarkable. The Swedish firm has hybrid models on the horizon too, so Volvo's environmental credentials are only going to get better.

Verdict

Few will lust after a Volvo V50 DRIVe Start/Stop, but it does everything you'd expect a family car to do - albeit with the added bonus of brilliant economy. In the real world you should easily get more than 50mpg in everyday driving, and if you're light of foot you might be able to get near the official combined figure. In a car that is utterly conventional that's really quite an impressive achievement.

Kyle Fortune

Wednesday August 5