Volvo V50
Scandinavian style meets eco-conscious efficiency in a compact premium estate.
- Power
- 109 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 10.9 s
- Top speed
- 118 mph
About the Volvo V50
The Volvo V50 1.6D DRIVe was a pioneer in the premium eco-estate segment, introduced to showcase Volvo's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions without sacrificing practicality. Built on the Ford Global C-car platform shared with the Focus, it features the iconic 'floating' centre console and a cabin focused on Scandinavian minimalism and safety. The DRIVe variant specifically employed aerodynamic tweaks, including a lowered chassis and covered grille, to achieve impressive fuel economy for its era. While not a performance-oriented wagon, its refined ride and high safety standards made it a popular choice for families and high-mileage commuters.
Volvo V50 specs
The Volvo V50 produces 109 bhp (81 kW) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 10.9 seconds and has a top speed of 118 mph (190 km/h).
| Make | Volvo |
|---|---|
| Model | V50 |
| Trim | 1.6D DRIVe SE |
| Years | 2004–2012 |
| Type | Estate |
| Body style | Estate |
| Country | Sweden |
| Engine | 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,560 cc (1.6 litres) |
| Induction | Turbocharged |
| Power | 109 bhp (81 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 10.9 s |
| Top speed | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,416 kg (3,122 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 77 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Volvo V50 rarity in CarSpot
The Volvo V50 is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Volvo V50 fun facts
- The DRIVe model features a 10mm lower ride height and unique aerodynamic wheels to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
- The V50's interior was inspired by high-end Scandinavian furniture, most notably the ultra-thin 'floating' centre stack.
- At its launch, the V50 DRIVe with Start/Stop technology achieved CO2 emissions of just 104g/km, which was class-leading for a premium estate.

