This is reinforced by the softly rounded nose, the short bonnet and the marked cab-forward design.
The track and wheelbase have been extended, virtually putting a wheel at each corner. This also contributes to the sporty appearance, as well as giving the car stable on-the-road behaviour. The long wheelbase also makes it possible to fit conveniently wide rear doors.
The Volvo V50 is 46 mm longer than the new S40. It is the section behind the rear wheels that has been extended and utilised to increase luggage space. "The luggage compartment is not simply spacious," says Henrik Otto. "It is also practical and easy to load, thanks to the vertical side windows and the totally flat load floor."
The grille with its characteristic diagonal has chrome-plated, upright bars, as different from the horizontal mesh pattern on the new S40. The design of the foglamps also distinguishes the models. On the V50, they are rectangular. The paintwork round the headlamps on the V50 is also a contrasting lighter shade.
The bonnet has the classical V shape. The contour lines of the body — the Volvo shoulders, as they are known — have also been inherited from other Volvo models.
These broad shoulders are a modern Volvo feature that signals power and safety. From the rear, the distinctive, high tail lamps show with the utmost clarity that what lies ahead is a five-door Volvo.
The doors of the Volvo V50 are convex in shape, unlike the concave design of the doors on the larger Volvo models. This reinforces the compact appearance and increases the width of the cabin.
The windscreen wipers are of an entirely new type and are concealed under the bonnet. The turn indicator repeaters are integrated in the door mirrors, where they are easily visible from the sides.
A number of newly-designed aluminium wheels, several of which are unique to the V50, are available on the options list. The sportiest wheels are 18 inches in diameter and are equipped with ultra-low profile 215/45 tyres.
The Volvo V50 will also be available with an Exterior Sport Styling design concept, which further accentuates the sporty, dynamic image of this new model.
The package includes specially-designed spoilers front and rear, side skirts and a rear roof spoiler. A lowering kit, which reduces the height of the car by 20 mm and further enhances the driving experience, is also included.
The next layer is the instrument panel. It has a clean, uncluttered layout, with air vents and other details positioned as islands in an otherwise free area. The instrument panel has a new type of surface, a texture conveying a feel of cutting-edge technical innovation rather than classical leather-trimmed furniture. This special surface texture separates the instrument panel visually from the outer edge trim of the cabin.
The main instrument features two round gauges, surrounded by contrasting metal bezels. This design creates a sporty, three-dimensional look.
Behind the centre stack, there is a practical storage compartment for personal possessions, which can easily be accessed from both sides. This compartment features soft lighting, thereby further accentuating the impression of a free-floating panel — combined with a sense of carefully-planned function.
"The stack is the ultimate design symbol of this new car and represents a revolution in itself. A great deal of creativity and effort has gone into finding a technical solution for the super-slim format," explains the responsible designer, Guy Burgoyn.
At the basic level, the colour of this panel is the same as the basic interior colour.
The version made of transparent plastic, "IcedAqua", is totally unique. It creates a high-tech impression, as the electronics and technology partly can be seen through it.
The dark panel, "Wood Effect", creates a more elegant, refined impression.
The "Aluminium" panel, made of real metal, produces the most product-oriented impression, combined with a feeling of top-class quality.
The four large knobs are used to regulate the main system functions. Other function buttons have been gathered together on a panel resembling a remote control. Each push-button is profiled in such a way that it is avoided to depress two at the same time. The same design concept can be seen in different parts of the interior.
The audio unit in the Volvo V50 can be supplemented with the same cutting-edge technology that was introduced in the Volvo XC90 — Dolby Surround Pro Logic II.
The first time the light makes its presence felt is when the driver moves his or her hand towards a control, something that facilitates operation when driving at night.
Leather is one of four upholstery alternatives. The most innovative upholstery is Dala, a ribbed textile with T-Tec elements and visible light-coloured seams.
T-Tec is a material that has been specially developed for Volvo Cars and is inspired by sportswear and modern travel accessories. The contrast between T-Tec and textile — along with seams of a different yet matching colour — reinforces the dynamic appeal of the car.
The cabin can be rearranged in the same flexible manner as in the Volvo V70. The rear seat splits into two sections and the backrests fold down. The front passenger seat is equipped with a fold-flat backrest. With the seats folded down, the load floor is entirely flat.
In Manila, Viking Cars, Incorporated is the official distributor of Volvo cars. The Volvo Makati office, showroom and Aftersales Service Center are located at 2272 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City while Volvo Ortigas Center is located at 88 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. The 2004 Volvo automobile line includes the sporty S60, the flagship S80 luxury sedan, the versatile V70 wagon and rugged Cross Country, the compact S40 and V40 models and the all-new XC90 AWD. For details and inquiries, please call 893-6621 to 22 (Makati Showroom) or 637-0414 to 17 (Ortigas Showroom).