While SUVs and MPVs are often considered when there is a need for extra cargo space, there is also the stationwagon which offers just as much space at the back. This bodystyle has been around many decades longer than the SUV and MPV and is popular in Europe and America but has had limited appeal here. Because it only finds a small number of customers, most companies don’t bother to offer their stationwagon variants even though there are such variants in the line-up.

A stationwagon is actually a good alternative for those who want cargo space but don’t like the bulkiness or a SUV or MPV. Based on a sedan body, its dynamics are like those of a sedan and you don’t have to worry about the high centre of gravity and extra weight.

The only company in Malaysia which has offered stationwagons consistently in its range has been Volvo. Right from the 1960s with the 122 model up till today’s V50, there’s always been a Volvo stationwagon available.

The Powershift transmission shifts very quickly and without 'shift shock’, enhancing acceleration. More significantly, because of its design which permits more efficient power transmission, fuel economy is better than a conventional automatic transmission. Volvo claims that the V50 with Powershift is 11% more economical than the earlier V50 but it should also be noted that the new V50 has a 2-litre engine whereas the earlier one had a 2.4-litre engine. There is also Geartronic which allows the driver to manually select gears but there is no Sports mode.

New Powershift transmission offers smoother shifting plus greater fuel economy

These include the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) which is found on the XC60. The system uses cameras mounted in the door mirrors to detect another vehicle in the blind spots at both sides of the car (the areas just outside the coverage of the door mirrors). When there is a car or motorcycle, a warning light will illuminate on the BLIS panel near the forward roof pillar. This intuitive safety feature helps the driver to avoid an accident.

BLIS can help reduce collisions with other vehicles which are in the blind spot. The small camera mounted below the mirror detects objects along the side of the car

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Dual Xenon lights are also standard for the V50 (and the new S40 as well). Though there have been reports about xenon lights being considered 'illegal’ by the JPJ, those which are installed as original equipment are permitted and owners need not worry about any problems. However, it is important that the units are properly aligned to prevent them from dazzling oncoming drivers because they are very bright.

Access to the car is also convenient with keyless entry and you don’t even have to insert the key to start the engine. Just turn a knob and the engine will fire up. The control unit can be left in the pocket at all times.

As for cargo space, the compact exterior dimensions may mislead many to think there is not much more than a sedan. But the boot volume is 1,060 litres and when both rear backrests are flat, this increases to 1,772 litres. The advantage is that, unlike a sedan’s boot with the restriction of height, you can carry tall items like plants in the boot. For long items, the front seat backrest can be folded completely flat and that gives a length as much as 3.6 metres from the back door all the way to the dashboard.

Lots of space for tall cargo	GPS navigation unit (Garmin 765) is mounted on top of the dashboard with power cable out of sight

Volvo Car Malaysia expects to sell up to 150 units of the new V50 this year and it should certainly be able to do so since it’s the only stationwagon in this price class and it’s also a premium product. Including the rest of the Volvo models, its target for 2010 is 1,000 units and popularity of the Swedish brand is expected to increase as the future line-up has models that are especially suited for the Malaysian market.

If you don't need the extra versatility the V50 offers, the latest S40 has the same engine and Powershift transmission

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