Does the Volvo V50 share a platform with the Ford Focus and the Mazda 3?
Ford Motor Company, which owns Volvo and possesses a controlling stake in Mazda, does share parts of the V50's underlying structure with the European Ford Focus and the global Mazda 3. The Ford Focus sold in the U.S. today is a completely different vehicle from the Volvo V50, and the Mazda 3 doesn't employ the V50's patented front crash-protection structure. Luxury car buyers concerned that they aren't getting their money's worth in the Volvo V50 can rest assured that it's a palpably better vehicle than either the Focus or the Mazda 3.

Is Volvo abandoning its traditional focus on safety to create stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles?
Absolutely not. Safety is still Volvo's primary goal when engineering a new vehicle such as the V50, but in the expanding and increasingly competitive luxury class, safety is not enough especially when other automakers are building vehicles that protect occupants just as well as Volvo can. That means Volvo must appeal to consumers through design and performance, in addition to safety.

Will Volvo build an R-badged performance version of the V50?
At the 2004 Specialty Equipment Marketers Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, Volvo displayed a high-performance V50 concept vehicle that generated plenty of attention and positive press. We asked Volvo if a V50 R was slated for production, and the response was a predictable: "Ahhhh, next question." If we were bettin' folk, we'd put money down that says Volvo will have a higher-horsepower version of the V50 in showrooms by 2007.

Was it fun to drive on a frozen lake?
Better than an all-day pass at the Mustang Ranch.

Photos courtesy of Volvo Cars North America