New 850 brightens Volvo's image<\/p>\n
By Tim Britten<\/p>\n
The Volvo 850 GLT could easily be confused with any other
\nsquare Volvo of the past decade. This would be a mistake.<\/p>\n
Although it carries Volvo's trademark emphasis on safety and
\npracticality, the newest car from Sweden joining the Indonesian
\nmarket is not only drastically different under the skin but adds
\nanother dimension: driving pleasure.<\/p>\n
This reflects a new generation of Volvo engineers and
\ndesigners who addressed all the traditional Volvo qualities,
\nwhile instilling new levels of handling and driving dynamics in
\ntheir new baby.<\/p>\n
The 850 joins the two-model 960 range and is the first in what
\nthe director of Volvo in Indonesia, Hindarto Budiono, said would
\nbe the introduction of a new model or variant every year.<\/p>\n
In 1997, the company hopes to be able to launch the new small
\nVolvo, the S4, which is the product of a joint venture with
\nMitsubishi, and is manufactured by NedCar in the Netherlands.<\/p>\n
The rear-drive, luxury 900-Series is bigger externally than
\nthe 850, but the new vehicle takes advantage of its front-drive
\nconfiguration to offer marginally more interior space.<\/p>\n
The 850's five-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine sits transversely
\nbetween the front wheels, driving through a newly-designed
\nautomatic transmission.<\/p>\n
Developed with help from Porsche, the 125kW multi-valve, all-
\nalloy motor is an engine for all seasons, offering surprising
\nperformance across the rev range, compact design and good fuel
\nefficiency.<\/p>\n
It is less a sporting engine than a flexible, responsive power
\nplant with a pleasant sound reminiscent of Audi's in-line five-
\ncylinder engines.<\/p>\n
The engineers have managed to contain the less savory aspects
\nof front-wheel drive. There is little torque steer, and none of
\nthe lead-tipped arrow effect in cornering.<\/p>\n
The 850's steering feels uncharacteristically sharp for a
\nVolvo, without detriment to high-speed stability.<\/p>\n
A new rear suspension plays a significant role in the car's
\nsure-footed feel on the road. Described by Volvo as Delta link
\ndue to its triangular layout, the suspension is designed to
\ncombine the best features of a beam axle and a normal independent
\nsystem -- keeping the car on track and yet allowing independent
\nmovement for stability.<\/p>\n
The patented system has the benefit of being extremely
\ncompact, allowing a flatter floor. The system combines well with
\na conventional McPherson-strut front suspension to provide
\npredictable, viceless car control.<\/p>\n
The 850 walks the tightrope between a comfortable ride and
\nsporting stiffness. Noise levels are impressively low in the
\ncabin.<\/p>\n
The interior is typically Volvo; strong on ergonomics but
\nshort on imagination. The layout of the controls is first class,
\nbut presentation lacks the flowing style of other cars today.<\/p>\n
Driver and passengers will not want for leg room and head
\nroom, thanks to the front-drive format.<\/p>\n
A high priority was given to ventilation, which Volvo claims
\nis a key to driver alertness. Climate control air conditioning is
\nstandard equipment as are an eight-speaker audio system with CD
\nplayer, fully adjustable leather upholstered seats, power windows
\nand exterior rear view mirrors.<\/p>\n
Priced at Rp 170 million, the 850 is obviously not on
\neverybody's shopping list, however, Hindarto said the car was
\nexpected to increase Volvo sales substantially over the next
\nyear, particularly in the retail sector.<\/p>\n
Currently, Volvo sells about 65 percent of its volume to
\ncompanies, although to help redress this imbalance, the company
\nhopes to open a number of new dealerships in the Jakarta region.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/new-850-brightens-volvos-image-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}