Good run down. Not sure if the T5 would have made much difference in performance for you - obviously not a differece for the interior/ exterior parts mentioned. You didn't mention your thoughts on price reletive to your perceived value. Although I have a V50 T5 (what my wife wanted since she thought my V70 was too big to want one for herself). As I wrote in my assessment a few weeks ago, I would rather go for the V70 since it is only a small price to pay more for it over the V50. My 2001 V70 T5 has been an incredible car - maybe the 50 is a good safe alternative for those simply wanting smaller. Tom