| First Drive | Lower Slaughter, UK | Volvo V50 DRIVe stop start |

That Volvo's C30 DRIVe manages to return 72.4mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 104g/km is impressive enough - that the V50 estate can do exactly the same is nothing short of miraculous. But it does, the V50 DRIVe Start-Stop's 1.6-litre turbodiesel allowing it to do exactly that. For those needing space, but wanting to use as little fuel as possible, the V50 DRIVe is a very tempting proposition indeed.

In the Metal

We're all familiar with the V50's shape - it has, after all, been around for a while. It's not particularly exciting if we're being honest, but nor is it offensive. Perfect for these more circumspect times then, where being flash is no longer agreeable. DRIVe modifications do little to change its looks, the only obvious difference being the aerodynamic wheels and badge on the boot lid. Otherwise it's an innocuous estate car wearing a badge that cuts the mustard a bit higher than merely mainstream.

What you get for your Money

It's more a case of what you don't get for your money. You don't have a car that'll idle at traffic lights, nor do you get a car that'll pull away from them with any conviction if you're competing in a traffic light grand prix. The V50 is way too sensible for that. Don't for one moment though think that means it's dull; it's just that its priorities are elsewhere. The decently equipped SE model tested here costs £20,595, that getting you a comfortable, nicely built estate car that'll seat four in relative comfort and haul a fair bit of gear in its big boot too. Seats up you've 433 litres of space in the back; seats down there's 947 litres - or more than enough for the monthly trip to the recycling centre.

Driving it

One-point-six litres of turbodiesel engine in a car as sizeable as the V50 could add up to a nightmare drive, but the small engine delivers punch above its size. We'd be lying if we said it was a fireball, but it's quick enough - something that's underlined by its 10.9-second 0-62mph time. The key point is that for all its economy there are few compromises. Indeed, if anything the V50's DRIVe's slightly lower suspension - to help it cheat the air more effectively - means it feels a bit sharper in the bends than its non-DRIVe relatives. The gearshift isn't great, but the steering is light and accurate, even if it doesn't return much in the way of feel.

There's no fancy hybrid system underneath, which is to the benefit of space and weight, the DRIVe achieving its sensational economy and emissions figures thanks to finessing of existing systems rather than adding a big battery and motor. There is a small additional battery, but it's there to keep you cool at the traffic lights when the engine stops to save fuel. It's all seamless too, the DRIVe demanding nothing more from its driver than an infrequent fuel stop.

Worth Noting

The Volvo V50 DRIVe Start-Stop emits no more CO₂ on the official combined cycle than Toyota's can-do-no-wrong Prius. It's hardly surprising then that Volvo is lobbying the Mayor of London to look more closely at his policy to allow all hybrids automatic free access to the Congestion Charge zone given that conventional cars like the V50 emits less than many of them.

Summary

The V50 is a Volvo estate and all that you'd expect from that, with the added bonus of quite staggering official 72.4mpg ability and 104g/km CO₂ emissions. If you're looking for a family car to salve your environmental conscience then the V50 DRIVe Start-Stop is just the thing. We've never been as excited about a less exciting car before, if only because it underlines that the march towards environmentalism doesn't necessarily mean compromise. And that's a very good thing.