Like the S40 sedan, the Volvo V50 wagon is a totally new design. At Volvo, we say it's the complete package. Versatility is the key quality to any Volvo wagon, and the new V50 follows the larger Volvo V70 in proving itself able to multi-task.

The V50 wagon is a car with few compromises. In Sweden, the wagon is a cultural icon +óGé¼GÇ£ the concept of a performance wagon is logical and completely acceptable. In Europe the V50 is expected to outsell the S40 by almost three to one.

In Australia, the birthplace of the performance ute, the concept of a performance car shouldn't be confined to being a sedan or a coupe. That's Volvo's thinking as well. The new V50 offers all the same features of the all-new S40 and more.

Handling, steering and chassis control are straight from the S40. Engine and transmission choice is again the same as the S40; that's to say the V50 opens with a Volvo-made and designed 2.4-litre inline five-cylinder engine producing 125kW and 230Nm. Those two important figures put the V50 at the top of the competitive pack in terms of base performance and drivability. The long stroke and narrow bore of the all-aluminium engine produces a smooth flow of torque through the lower half of the rev range. Peak torque is reached at 4400rpm +óGé¼GÇ£ approximately 2000rpm before the rev limiter.

Engine choice was never a question for Volvo Car Australia. We decided early to take only the inline five-cylinder engines, even though smaller capacity four cylinder engines will be offered in other global markets. In Volvo Car Australia's way of thinking, performance is a priority, as desirable as occupant protection, functional design and versatility.

The V50 T5 is a special wagon. With the combination of a low-pressure turbocharged 2.5-litre engine huffing out 162kW and 320Nm and matched with a well-ratioed six-speed manual gearbox, the T5 defines unquestionable the concept of a sportswagon. And, at $62,950 no other compact prestige Euro touches it for price, either.

Volvo V50 model range and prices:
V50 2.4 manual - $48,950 (five-speed)
V50 2.4 automatic - $50,950 (five-speed)
V50 2.4 SE manual - $52,950 (five-speed)
V50 2.4 SE automatic - $52,950 (five-speed)
V50 T5 manual - $62,950 (six-speed)
V50 T5 automatic - $62,950 (five-speed)

The V50 T5 AWD joins the range in 2005. No comment on price.
Because the S40 and V50 are built on the same base architecture, the V50 also employs the same occupant protection systems. Frontal deformation zones absorb impact forces in a highly ingenious and effective manner.

Torsional rigidity of the V50 is 34 percent higher than that of the out-going V40.

Both the S40 and V50 are extremely well equipped as standard with an armoury of airbags +óGé¼GÇ£ dual-stage frontal, enlarged side airbags protect hip and thorax, and Inflatable Curtain (IC) protects head and neck. After inflating, the IC deflates slowly in about three seconds to provide continuous protection should the vehicle roll over or being involved in a multi-stage impact.

At Volvo, safety begins much deeper than a complement of airbags. At the bone, so to say, of the V50 skeletal structure are extra high-strength steel doorsill members ensuring precious occupant space is preserved.

The V50 shares most of the S40's interior and exterior dimensions, except for overall length. The V50 is longer than S40 (+46mm), but the V50 is actually shorter than the out-going V40, by a smidge.

V50 comparison with V40
Length: 4514mm (-2mm shorter)
Width: 1770mm (+54mm wider)
Height: 1452mm (+27mm taller) without roof rails
Wheelbase: 2640mm (+78mm longer)
Track front: 1535mm (+63mm wider)
Track rear: 1531mm (+57mm wider)

Because headroom has increased, the driver's H point in the V50 is higher than in the V40. This gives the driver more comfort and better over-bonnet visibility.

When Volvo talks about the versatility of the V50, we are specifically talking about the convenience of the 60/40 split folding rear seatback and folding of the passenger front seat. With both rows of seats folded, the V50 can carry very long items such as surfboards up to 3060mm.

The interior, specifically the centre console, is a revolution in automotive design. The curved Floating Centre Console is approximately 20mm thick and holds the controls for most of the V50's luxury interior features: climate control and ventilation settings, tuning controls for performance sound system with CD player, front seat heat controls (optional), integrated telephone (optional) and rear window demister.

The unique Floating Centre Console is open at the back for stowage of small items such as a mobile phone, a digital camera, a wallet or the like.

Volvo Car Australia officially reveals the V50 in Australia at the Melbourne motor show. The new Volvo sportswagon is slated for arrival in dealerships in June. In 2004, Volvo Car Australia forecasts sales of V50 at approximately 200 vehicles. The sales split of all-new S40 to new V50 is expected at around 70/30 sedan to wagon.

For further information please contact:
Todd Hallenbeck
Public Affairs Manager
Volvo Car Australia
Phone: 02-9020 1613
Mobile: 0412 259 635
Fax: 02-9020 1597
Email: thallen2@volvocars.com

EXTERIOR COLOURS
Deep Blue +óGé¼GÇ£ solid
Ice White +óGé¼GÇ£ solid
Silver +óGé¼GÇ£ metallic
Black Sapphire +óGé¼GÇ£ metallic
Ruby Red +óGé¼GÇ£ metallic
Titanium Grey +óGé¼GÇ£ metallic
Flint Grey +óGé¼GÇ£ metallic (launch colour)
Safari Green +óGé¼GÇ£ metallic (launch colour)

INTERIOR MATERIALS
Dala T-Tec +óGé¼GÇ£ V50 2.4
Leather +óGé¼GÇ£ V50 2.4 SE and V50 T5

INTERIOR INLAYS
Bauxite Grey +óGé¼GÇ£ V50 2.4
Wood Effect +óGé¼GÇ£ V50 2.4 SE
Aluminium +óGé¼GÇ£ V50 T5
Iced Aqua +óGé¼GÇ£ optional

VOLVO V50 2.4 SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL
Volvo V50 2.4 wagon

STANDARD FEATURES
Dala T-Tec upholstery
Climate control air conditioning
Integrated rear seat child booster cushions
Split folding rear seat (1/3 to 2/3)
Cabin pollen filter
Electronically adjustable door mirrors
Electronically operated door windows
Cruise control
16x6.5-inch aluminium-alloy wheels
Performance sound system (6 speakers) single CD
Audio & cruise controls on steering wheel
Electronic immobilizer
Approach lighting
Home safe lighting
Childproof door locks
Foglights in front spoiler
Puddle lights (under door mirrors)
Load cover
Roof rails
Load protection net

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES
ABS anti-locking brakes with EBD
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbags
Inflatable Curtain (IC) front and rear seats
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)
SIPS bags, front seats, head and chest
Front safety belts, automatic height adjustment and belt tensioner
Three-point inertia reel safety belts, head restraints and anti-submarining on all seats
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
Stability Traction Control (STC)
IDIS +óGé¼GÇ£ Intelligent Driver Information System (debut technology)
Collapsible pedals
Seatbelt warning for rear passengers (display on instrument panel)

NOTABLE OPTIONS
17x7-inch aluminium-alloy wheels w/ 205-50 tyres +óGé¼GÇ£ $1500
Metallic paint +óGé¼GÇ£ $1350
Leather seats, steering wheel, gear knob +óGé¼GÇ£ $3600
Wood-effect interior inlay +óGé¼GÇ£ $345
Aluminium interior inlay +óGé¼GÇ£ $545
Iced Aqua interior inlay +óGé¼GÇ£ $645
Cabin Air Quality System +óGé¼GÇ£ $250
Front seat, electronically adjustable, driver +óGé¼GÇ£ $1950
Trip computer +óGé¼GÇ£ $555
Floor mats +óGé¼GÇ£ $125
High performance sound (8 speakers) +óGé¼GÇ£ $1350
Six-stacker CD +óGé¼GÇ£ $795
Sunroof, glass, electronically operated +óGé¼GÇ£ $2150
Bi-Xenon headlights +óGé¼GÇ£ $2250
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) +óGé¼GÇ£ $2190
Laminated side windows +óGé¼GÇ£ $850
Rain-sensor wipers +óGé¼GÇ£ $250
Heated front seats +óGé¼GÇ£ $315

VOLVO V50 2.4 SE SPECIFICATIONS Volvo V50 2.4 SE wagon

MECHANICAL SPEC
Same as V50 2.4
Kerb weight:1443kg

STANDARD FEATURES (above V50 2.4)
Five-speed automatic transmission
Leather seats, steering wheels, gear knob
Wood-effect interior inlays
Front seat, electrically adjustable, driver
Trip computer
Floor mats
Rear armrest with cupholders

Features' value of SE upgrade: $8575\*
Includes $2000 for five-speed automatic transmission

SAFETY FEATURES (same as S40 2.4 and V50 2.4)
ABS anti-locking brakes with EBD
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbags
Inflatable Curtain (IC) front and rear seats
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)
SIPS bags, front seats, head and chest
Front safety belts, automatic height adjustment and belt tensioner
Three-point inertia reel safety belts, head restraints and anti-submarining on all seats
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
Stability Traction Control (STC)
Collapsible pedals
Seatbelt warning for rear passengers (display on instrument panel)

NOTABLE OPTIONS
17x7-inch aluminium-alloy wheels w/ 205-50 tyres +óGé¼GÇ£ $1500
Metallic paint +óGé¼GÇ£ $1350
Aluminium interior inlay +óGé¼GÇ£ $245
Iced Aqua interior inlay +óGé¼GÇ£ $345
Cabin Air Quality System +óGé¼GÇ£ $250
Front seat, electronically adjustable, passenger +óGé¼GÇ£ $1950
High performance sound (8 speakers) +óGé¼GÇ£ $1350
Premium performance sound (12 speakers) +óGé¼GÇ£ $2280
Six-stacker CD +óGé¼GÇ£ $795
Sunroof, glass, electronically operated +óGé¼GÇ£ $2150
Bi-Xenon headlights +óGé¼GÇ£ $2250
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC) +óGé¼GÇ£ $2190
Laminated side windows +óGé¼GÇ£ $850
Rain-sensor wipers +óGé¼GÇ£ $250
Heated front seats +óGé¼GÇ£ $315

VOLVO V50 T5 SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL
Volvo V50 T5 wagon

STANDARD FEATURES (same as S40 T5)
Five-speed automatic transmission
Aluminium interior inlay
Leather seats, steering wheels, gear knob
Cabin Air Quality System
Front seat, electronically adjustable, driver
Trip computer
High performance sound (8 speakers) CD player
Bi-Xenon headlights with wash
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
'Sagitta' 17x7-inch aluminium-alloy wheels

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES
ABS anti-locking brakes with EBD
Driver and passenger dual-stage airbags
Inflatable Curtain (IC) front and rear seats
Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)
SIPS bags, front seats, head and chest
Front safety belts, automatic height adjustment and belt tensioner
Three-point inertia reel safety belts, head restraints and anti-submarining on all seats
Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC)
IDIS +óGé¼GÇ£ Intelligent Driver Information System (debut technology)
Collapsible pedals
Seatbelt warning for rear passengers (display on instrument panel)

NOTABLE OPTIONS
Integrated rear seat child booster cushions - $550
Front seat, electronically adjustable, passenger - $1950
Sunroof glass, electronically operated - $2150
Premium performance sound (12 speakers) +óGé¼GÇ£ $930
Six-stacker CD - $795
Iced Aqua interior inlay - $345
Metallic paint - $1350
Laminated side windows - $850
Rain-sensor wipers - $250
Heated front seats - $315