Choosing a diesel V50 should offer relatively low-cost motoring despite its relatively high price compared with other compact estate cars. Resale values are strong – expect to sell at 40% of the car’s new price at three years old, or higher still if it’s an R-Design model. Volvo V50 running costs are pretty impressive if you go for the DRIVe models.

These include stop-start technology, which helps to achieve an official average of 74.3mpg – an amazing feat for a car of this size. Volvo servicing isn’t particularly cheap, but there are a few independent Volvo specialists around.

Volvo V50 emissions levels are fantastic for what is a sizeable estate car. The greenest models in the V50 range use the 109bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine. Before 2009, these had CO2 emissions of 129g/km, but modifications for the low-emission DRIVe range brought them below 120g/km and from summer 2009 with the optional stop-start – which cuts the engine when idling in traffic and restarts when pressing the clutch to engage a gear – reached 104g/km and then 99g/km.

Very impressive for a car of this size.

The V50 hasn’t been without its problems and there have been numerous recalls which is unusual for a Volvo. We’ve heard from owner’s who have had issues ranging from reduced engine power problems to electrical gremlins. However, there are also plenty of V50 owners who have had no issues at all. Therefore, it’s a mixed bag as far as Volvo V50 reliability is concerned.