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.