Volvo is set to follow up the Frankfurt Show launch of the new S40 with the unveiling of the V50 estate in Bologna next month. Check out pictures of the V50 spied during winter testing.
Volvo is set to follow up the Frankfurt Show launch of the new S40 with the unveiling of the V50 estate in Bologna next month. Check out pictures of the V50 spied during winter testing.
CARtoday.com reported in August that the S40 took a big step forward in terms of interior design and safety but retained the five-cylinder engines and four-wheel drive system of its predecessor. The new car – which bears a strong resemblance to its S60 and S80 siblings – will be launched in South Africa in mid 2004, Volvo Car SA spokesman Nicole Heys said at the time.
The V50 will break cover in December and take on rivals such as the Alfa 156 Sportwagon and Audi A4 Avant. As these pictures suggest, it will have a distinctive look, complete with Volvo’s traditional flared shoulder line and an aggressive-looking front end.
The car will be based on the all new Ford Focus platform, which will also form the basis of an SUV version of the V50, the XC50.
Unlike the model line up of the previous V40/S40 range, the V50 will be a separate car to the new S40. Also confirmed is that both the S40 and V50 will offer the 127 kW 2,4-litre and the range-topping 164 kW 2,3-litre T5 powerplants.
Inside, the model will be fitted with the so-called “floating dashboard” design that made its debut in the S40. At the rear, the boot is expected to feature split-fold seating, as well as a series of concealed stowage compartments.
Plans for a 224 kW all-wheel drive “R” version have been put on hold until Volvo has established the R brand with the S60 and V70, sources say.
