VOLVO has struck a nice balance between utilitarianism and style with its new, compact V50 wagons. The V50 offers all the user-friendly design of the larger Volvo wagons in a more compact, good looking and easily identifiable package. Most importantly though, the V50 has the same refreshing dynamics as the new S40 sedan. Here is a nimble, brisk-handling Volvo with a decent ride as well. Like the S40, Australian V50s also come with five-cylinder power only – four-cylinder versions are available elsewhere in the world – topping out with the turbocharged, 162kW T5. Almost unbelievable – a quick-accelerating, responsive Volvo with chassis dynamics to match.