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Nargess Shahmanesh-Banks test drives the Volvo V50

Who said safe is boring? Volvo for one has proved that it is possible to team functional design, with some of the latest technology in powetrain and safety, and still come up with a desirable product. And, this is most apparent in the V50, an estate (or sports wagon).

With the V50, Volvo proves that safe and functional should not mean boring

Form follows function in very much a Scandinavian design tradition with the V50. The car is 2 mm shorter than its predecessor, the V40, at 4,514 mm and even though it is 1,770 wide (including side mirrors) the V50 appears to be slender and athletic.

Inside has been immaculately designed, featuring an ultra thin, and very stylish centre instrument stack, which takes centre stage in the cabin area. It was inspired by the latest trends in electrical product design. Five adults can sit very comfortably in the V50. And as expected from an estate, the car boasts maximum capacity of 1,307 litres of luggage space.

The design of the centre instrument stack was inspired by electrical product design

On test was the 2.0 litre turbo diesel with second-generation common rail technology, plenty of torque and Euro IV compliant. The car also comes powered with a choice of 1.8 litre petrol and a transversely mounted five cylinder 2.5 litre T5, the most powerful in the range.

Volvo engineers were asked to evoke the spirit of the V70 R, to create a sporty car with a high level of active safety and it seems to have worked. The torsional rigidity of the new car is 34 per cent greater than the V40 which helps maximise the performance of the new multi-link rear suspension. Safety has been enhanced by installing Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system (DSTC).

The V50 is produced at Volvo's factory in Ghent, Belgium. The Swede has targeted young families in their mid twenties to mid thirties, many of whom would be new to the brand.

"Solid, sporty, urban, dynamic -- this is a go-ahead car for someone who lives an active life," said ex-Volvo head designer, Henrik Otto. He couldn't be more right.