STYLISH sports wagons don't come much better than the Volvo V50. It's the definitive safe family wheels for those who care more about their passengers than their egos.

Yet the roomy V50 is also a great performer and fitted with the top-of-the-range motors it will soon get your pulse racing.

The good looking V50 Sportswagon is a best seller for the Swedish company and is a perfect example of their new, more desirable image.

Being thoroughly modern, it has softer, more sculptured lines than the more cavernous traditional estate, particularly at the rear which has been the subject of some revision to make it look more like a lifestyle wagon and to improve lighting, safety and looks.

Viewed from above, the V50 has a boat shape with the curved front tapering down to the stern. The doors are convex rather than concave to give extra cabin width so that the compact shape contributes to some excellent aerodynamics.

However, the V50 remains an extremely practical carrier with a wide-opening tailgate and a generous load bay.

On the latest V50, the cabin has also been revised considerably to add more technology, clearer instrumentation, extra storage space and carrying capacity, as well as boasting the choice of interior trims.

With the V50 and other Volvos it's the little things that help make the cars so easy to live with. Those extra comforts seem rather obvious when you are at the helm yet, more often than not, no-one else has managed to think of them.

For instance, the latest V50 has Blis, a blind spot information system. This comprises a warning light on the inside of the windscreen pillar that appears when an overtaking car enters your blind spot.

Introducing yet more safety features, the V50 can be equipped with active bi-xenon headlamps that swivel the light beam with the steering direction. And should any of the car's airbags be deployed, the hazard lights will automatically be activated, and during emergency braking all three brake lights will flash to warn following drivers.

However, the more exciting news for V50 enthusiasts is that the model now benefits from an enhanced power train.

The 2.4-litre D5 diesel engine is available with a smooth six-speed manual transmission.

With the new more robust transmission the D5 is not only the fastest oil-burning Volvo to date but also one of the cleanest - the advanced power plant is fully compliant with anticipated Euro V emission regulations.

Another great version of the D5 is the five-speed geartronic model. This motor delivers 180PS at 4,000rpm with a top speed of 137mph and 0-60mph acceleration in 7.9 seconds.

For the many owners who need good towing attributes the maximum towing weight with the vehicle is 1,500kg.

Volvo knows a thing or two about building executive cars with superb driving manners. With crisp steering, taut suspension and excellent body control, the V50 is a delight to drive.

Add the solid build and superb cabin layout and the revised V50 looks set to continue its sales success for the company which is now owned by Ford. The V50 prices start at £15,995 for the 1.6-litre S.