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A well-crafted piece of writing, they say, is written during the editing stage. A gem often reveals its beauty after it's been cut and refined. Software has fewer glitches in version 1.1. Cars are no different. Long after the premiere has passed, the next model year struggles to keep the attention of new buyers. But if you can survive the automotive press moving on to the next latest and greatest and wait for the model's second year, you might come away with a more sound and reliable automobile — in theory.

Volvo calls the V50 for what it is: a premium compact activity sportswagon. It comes in three versions: the V50 2.4i, the V50 T5 and the all-weather V50 T5 AWD. There is a choice of engines, either a 5-cylinder aspirated 2.4-liter unit producing 168-horsepower and a 2.5-liter 218-horsepower light-pressure turbocharged T5 engine. The T5 engine was everything you would want in an engine with these impeccable statistics. And it was one of the most satisfying parts of the car.

The exterior of the Volvo has not changed much. It is unmistakably a Volvo, an evolution of the V70 family wagon, which began with the entire transformation of the Volvo exterior as we know it today.

Also unchanged is the hallmark of Volvo automobiles: safety. The company has been a pioneer in technology that we now take for granted because it has had an industry-wide effect. Of late, the rigidity of the cabin's substructure has been reinforced for increased rigidity and optimum protection of passengers in an automobile accident. The configuration of the side-impact airbag and the curtains have been adjusted, too.

Unfortunately, that does not an entire automobile make. And if you are a Volvo buyer or enthusiast, I probably haven't told you anything you don't already know. Pay attention. According to Volvo, the V50 is supposed to have a "large capacity for life!" Not if you're a hockey player with lots of equipment. For, you see, that is one of my practical tests of a large sedan or station wagon. If Volvo says the V50 has a large capacity for an active lifestyle, they need to get one. Three hockey players and their equipment, it could not hold. (Okay, one was a goalie with leg pads) but the second player almost didn't make it, having to stuff in his bag and his stick. And this is sad since I have an old Volvo wagon and was able to fit three passengers and an 8-foot Christmas tree comfortably!

The console, which Volvo says is a revolution, died on the barricades. It may be ultra-slim but there is only so much space there and I have always found it difficult to find the exact button I need quickly. I have despised the Volvo sound system for many years as it, like all the other buttons on the center console are counter intuitive and poorly labeled. There's no way you can change from one mode to another, for example, while the car is in motion — or without a doctorate degree. So while "slim" is an important goal in a diet, it's not helpful on the console of a car.

New, is the T5 Dynamic Trim Package. This option includes an electronically controlled all-wheel drive for increased handling, traction control and stability on the road — and safety during inclimate weather. Also, to increase the aggressive lines of the car, this package adds specially designed spoilers on the front; sides and rear. Lastly, it includes larger seventeen-inch wheels.

Now let's talk price. A V50 with the 2.4i engine starts at $26,205; the unadorned V60 T5 at $27,840 and the V50 T5 AWD at $29,615 — before destination charges. If the way you live your life doesn't require you to carry around much baggage (literally speaking) then the V50 is a viable option for you. R&D