Now that Volvo is part of the Ford family, the V50 designers were in the enviable position of being able to design the new 'sportswagon' on the underpinnings of the excellent latest Ford Focus. It means they would be hard-pushed to create a car which handled badly - and the V50 lives up to expectations with good agility, even if it's not an out-and-out sporty drive. The engines have been pinched from the Ford line-up too, which means the excellent 2.0 diesel finds itself under the bonnet where it can show off its pulling power and smoothness. The refinement is impressive: even at speed there is very little wind or engine noise and the cabin is comfortable and well put together. Equipment levels are good, safety is excellent - and prices are highly competitive through AutoeBid's reverse auction, particularly if you go for a pre-reg deal. In addition, if you're looking for a standard car with just metallic paint (and can be flexible on colour) there are often some spectacular pre-reg deals which can go well below the reserve.
