New 850 brightens Volvo's image
New 850 brightens Volvo's image
By Tim Britten
The Volvo 850 GLT could easily be confused with any other square Volvo of the past decade. This would be a mistake.
Although it carries Volvo's trademark emphasis on safety and practicality, the newest car from Sweden joining the Indonesian market is not only drastically different under the skin but adds another dimension: driving pleasure.
This reflects a new generation of Volvo engineers and designers who addressed all the traditional Volvo qualities, while instilling new levels of handling and driving dynamics in their new baby.
The 850 joins the two-model 960 range and is the first in what the director of Volvo in Indonesia, Hindarto Budiono, said would be the introduction of a new model or variant every year.
In 1997, the company hopes to be able to launch the new small Volvo, the S4, which is the product of a joint venture with Mitsubishi, and is manufactured by NedCar in the Netherlands.
The rear-drive, luxury 900-Series is bigger externally than the 850, but the new vehicle takes advantage of its front-drive configuration to offer marginally more interior space.
The 850's five-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine sits transversely between the front wheels, driving through a newly-designed automatic transmission.
Developed with help from Porsche, the 125kW multi-valve, all- alloy motor is an engine for all seasons, offering surprising performance across the rev range, compact design and good fuel efficiency.
It is less a sporting engine than a flexible, responsive power plant with a pleasant sound reminiscent of Audi's in-line five- cylinder engines.
The engineers have managed to contain the less savory aspects of front-wheel drive. There is little torque steer, and none of the lead-tipped arrow effect in cornering.
The 850's steering feels uncharacteristically sharp for a Volvo, without detriment to high-speed stability.
A new rear suspension plays a significant role in the car's sure-footed feel on the road. Described by Volvo as Delta link due to its triangular layout, the suspension is designed to combine the best features of a beam axle and a normal independent system -- keeping the car on track and yet allowing independent movement for stability.
The patented system has the benefit of being extremely compact, allowing a flatter floor. The system combines well with a conventional McPherson-strut front suspension to provide predictable, viceless car control.
The 850 walks the tightrope between a comfortable ride and sporting stiffness. Noise levels are impressively low in the cabin.
The interior is typically Volvo; strong on ergonomics but short on imagination. The layout of the controls is first class, but presentation lacks the flowing style of other cars today.
Driver and passengers will not want for leg room and head room, thanks to the front-drive format.
A high priority was given to ventilation, which Volvo claims is a key to driver alertness. Climate control air conditioning is standard equipment as are an eight-speaker audio system with CD player, fully adjustable leather upholstered seats, power windows and exterior rear view mirrors.
Priced at Rp 170 million, the 850 is obviously not on everybody's shopping list, however, Hindarto said the car was expected to increase Volvo sales substantially over the next year, particularly in the retail sector.
Currently, Volvo sells about 65 percent of its volume to companies, although to help redress this imbalance, the company hopes to open a number of new dealerships in the Jakarta region.