Don’t be fooled by its unassuming looks, because this Volvo V50 D5 estate backs a 180bhp punch from its 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine.
On sale early next summer, the D5 uses the same five-cylinder unit as the larger S60, V70, XC70 and XC90 ranges but it has been revised to fit the more compact engine bay of the V50.
Volvo is hoping that the new engine – which slots into the range above the 136bhp 2.0D - will give its smallest estate the punch to tackle the 163bhp BMW 320d Touring and 161bhp Audi A4 Avant 2.5 TDi.With its hefty 258lb ft of torque channelled through a five-speed Geartronic auto to the front wheels, the V50 D5 will sprint from 0-62mph in 8.8sec, with a still-faster manual version to follow in 2007.
Volvo has also announced that the D5 will also be the power behind a turbodiesel version of the forthcoming C70 folding hardtop when it arrives in the summer.
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