More commanding than its V40 predecessor, the Volvo V50 is faster, a little bigger and a lot easier on the eye.
The round-nosed, convex-sided 2008 model has been tweaked stylistically, with a curved roof line, aluminium roof rails and more abrupt tail section, and a longer and wider track makes the V50 more imposing.
With its cab-forward stance and broadened shoulder line, the V50 looks the part of a compact sports wagon that Volvo hopes can lure buyers away from the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series wagons.
With its black egg-crate grille, sharper headlamps and sculpted tail, the V50 seems to give the compact wagon a harder driving edge - much like the C30 and C70.
Around Hong Kong, the V50 is comfortable to drive with responsive steering. The wagon's funky interior also makes driving the V50 more enjoyable. The cabin is a paragon of uncluttered Scandinavian design, with good quality, tactile materials and ergonomic functionality the order of the day.
The V50 was the first Volvo model to showcase the maker's trademark slim, free-floating centre console and it still looks cutting edge - the only silver element in a slick all-black leather-clad compartment.