WELCOME  Volvo V50 estate

It's much more than just an S40 with a Venter trailer welded on the back. These were the words of wisdom from Volvo's Fred van Niekerk who introduced the new Volvo V50 estate. In fact, unlike many station wagons, which are merely modifications on a sedan theme, the V50 has been designed from the wheels up as a combination people/load carrier.

But it doesn't have the compromises many of its opposition suffer from, such as hard springs and lack lustre handling when empty. In fact, if you didn't know you'd be hard-pressed to even FEEL you're in a station wagon, both in terms of ride and handling, and in interior noise levels.

The V50 possesses all the crispness we raved about when we drove it. It's so absolutely neutral that I defy anyone to say it has "front-wheel drive" characteristics. It features a high degree of mechanical grip without having to resort to electronic aids to keep it on the island - in Volvo fashion, these can be regarded as more braces than belt. Ride qualities are extremely high, especially when lightly laden - as mentioned, usually a problem with a station wagon. Styling is similar, too, with the same oblong lights which wrap around the side of the bodywork, but whereas the S40 features an "egg-crate" grille the V50 has chromed vertical slats.

At the back, of course, it's all different, with the V50 having a large liftup tailgate flanked by huge tail-lights which flow up the sides to give high level brake lights and double level reversing lights.

In profile there's a slight aerofoil section, with the tail not quite vertical for better air flow. From above, the body resembles the shape of a boat, with a rounded prow, a broad midship and a narrowing stern.

Station wagons are all about load area, of course, and it starts with a large low and flat luggage compartment which can be made more versatile by folding forward and 40/60 split rear seats. The V50 is 46 mm longer than the sedan, and the luggage area is long and free of interferences, and can be made even longer if you flip forward the front passenger seat, at which point a 3 metres long object can be carried.

Toyota opens door on all-new small car

Toyota has an all new compact car to compete in the super-mini segment. The all-new Toyota Porte, derived from the French word "door", it has a clever design and features numerous innovations.

The Toyota Porte's most distinguish feature is its remote-control electric sliding side doors.

Ground clearance is 300mm and with a flat doorway it offers easy access. The high cabin and flat floor ensure a spacious interior. The Porte also features a versatile seating arrangement.

Toyota also claims "excellent functionality" thanks to multiple storage spaces which includes toyota’s first-ever umbrella holder and a remote-controlled Smart Door Lock system.

The car comes with 1.5-litre and 1.3-litre engines with VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), while the use of a Super ECT (Super Intelligent four-speed automatic transmission) provides smooth acceleration and high fuel efficiency.

The Porte is at this stage only aimed at the Japanese market, and there are no plans yet to introduce the car to Europe or in South Africa.

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