Although sharing its platform with Mazda’s “3” and Ford’s Focus, the S40 retains a clear Volvo identity that is underscored by excellent on-road behaviour and efficient station wagon packaging. The V50 scores by having smooth-performing five-cylinder Volvo engines across the lineup, along with design cues like the floating centre console that help make it something special. The top-shelf T5 V50’s turbo 2.5-litre engine winds out 162kW and 320Nm, driving all four wheels through six-speed manual or five-speed auto transmission. Stability control, Xenon headlights, 17-inch alloys, heated front seats and six-stack CD are added to LE specification.