News / Reviews - Read Daily News and First Impressions for the latest model launches and concept car previews. Road Tests put you in the driving seat with in-depth analysis of the new cars that count while She Drives offers a woman's view from behind the wheel. We've lots more too - Photo Galleries, Features, Running Reports, User Reviews, Motormouth and a Newsletter to keep you up to speed.

The new Volvo V50 is more than a replacement for the V40. It is more like an exercise in interior design. The outside seems softer, due, in part to the redesigned rear end. It remains, however, pure Volvo.

The V50 is available with a choice of three petrol engines; the 1.8-, 2.4i- and the 2.6-litre, T5. The only diesel engine is the 2.0D, which was in the test car. The diesel engine is only available with as a manual while all the petrol units are available with automatic transmission and there is also an AWD version of the T5.

On entering the car, the first thing you notice is the so-called 'free-floating' central instrument panel. It reminded me of a stylish telephone or TV remote control and very Scandinavian. It wouldn't have surprised me if it had had a wooden surround rather than the satin metallic finish. It doesn't float, of course, but it is very thin and hides an oddments tray in the space behind, while the front curves gently to include the gearshift. The fascia itself is very plain, which makes the panel stand out even more and I can only describe the driving environment as minimalist. But nice with it.

The second noticeable innovation is the position of the ignition. How many times did I try to put the key in the right-hand side of the steering column? It took me all week to remember that the key lives on the left side of the steering wheel and is set into the fascia. Maybe there are a good many left-handed people in Volvoland, but it didn't work for me. It is an un-natural movement and the key and fob kept getting in the way when I was driving.

The interior is very comfortable and bright. The test car had cloth-covered seats in a light grey colour, which helped to create a feeling of spaciousness.

Volvos, especially in V form, have always been noted for their load-carrying capacity. Whether it be people or goods, the V50 is no different. Although, over the years, the roof-line has dropped a little there is still a maximum of 1307-litres of space to fill, as you will.