Bob Austin, director of marketing communications at Volvo Cars North America, describes the public's image of a typical Volvo owner as the family guy next door whose lawn is neatly manicured, whose kids don't make too much noise, and who's got a garage full of Craftsman tools ready to loan at your request. He's also the guy you wouldn't want at a party because he'll put the rest of your guests to sleep. There's nothing really wrong with him, but Axl Rose he's not. With the introduction of its performance-oriented '93 850 GLT, Volvo began to change that image; with the addition of the '95 960 sedan and wagon, the Swede's mailbox soon should be brimming with party invitations.
While the 960 retains Volvo's traditional exterior shape, its design has been freshened overall. Updating includes body-color side moldings, door handles, sideview mirrors, and bumpers with optional integrated foglamps. A slight rounding of the edges gives the 960 a softer appearance. In addition, the headlamps are smaller (but more efficient) and the grille is slightly reduced. Different wheels surrounded by larger 205/55VR16 Michelin XGT V4 tires and new exterior colors finish up the new-for-'95 package. As a result of these changes, the 960's stance appears lower and sportier than ever before and gives the impression there's improved performance under the hood. That impression is validated after even a short stint behind the wheel. Volvo has had 65 years of experience with in-line six-cylinder engines, and the version in the new 960 doesn't disappoint. The only engine available for the sedan or wagon is the 2.9 liter 24-valve DOHC all-aluminum in-line six, which offers 181 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 199 pound-feet of torque at 4100. Alterations have been made to the camshaft to provide for better low-end torque, however, the trade-off came in horsepower - down 20 from the '94 960. But the horsepower difference is largely imperceptible, whereas the enhanced low-end torque is plentiful and greatly improves the 960's driveability. The sole transmission offered this year is a four-speed automatic. It retains the Economy/Sport/Winter selection options, which change the shift points depending on driving conditions. Also carryover is the optional traction-control system.
Modifications to the suspension this year have boosted the 960's handling qualities as well. Geometry on the MacPherson-strut front setup has been modified for a sportier, 850-like feel. In back is Volvo's Multilink, which for '95 has a stronger, lighter composite transverse leaf spring in place of the previous coil springs. Front/rear anti-roll bars are standard, and an automatic leveling system is optional.
The 960's interior is revised for '95 as well, and offers standard power doors/windows/mirrors, dual airbags, a cleanly styled instrument panel, and cloth seats. Order the optional leather seating, and you get the bonus of burled wood trim on the doors and center console. The HVAC controls and radio are better than ever before, with dials that are effortless to use and bigger control buttons. Even the driver's door has a larger grip handle and more comfortable armrest.
No Volvo story would be complete without a paragraph on safety. Once again, Volvo's commitment is strong. In addition to airbags, anti-lock disc brakes, integrated rear child booster seat, and three-point safety belts, the 960 offers a strong, rigid unibody with large crumple zones front and rear, and Volvo's side-impact protection system (SIPS). The only feature the 960 lacks is adjustable-height shoulder belts which, according to Volvo, involves a tremendous amount of B-pillar restructuring. They'll be on-line in the near future.
All this sounds like the same basic, dependable-but-boring Volvo - until you find a nice stretch of open highway. By virtue of its newfound low-end torque, the 960 casts aside the family sedan stigma and reaches cruising speed before you can say Joe Amato. A light, nimble chassis coupled with good steering response also make the Volvo enjoyable to drive through the winding mountain roads like those found in Northern California, where we spent a few days in the 960's company. In a seat-of-the-pants mini-comparison test against our long-term Lexus GS 300 (which also has an inline-six), the Volvo felt lighter and quicker and exhibited less body roll in transient maneuvers. The Lexus edged out the Volvo in comfort, though, with its softer seats providing better comfort on long drives.
There's no lack of vehicles from which to choose in this mid-size sedan class, but in the Volvo's favor, you get a classic four-door with upgraded styling, surprisingly good performance, and top-notch safety starting at just under $30,000. With total US sales under $100,000,000 Volvo's main interest lies in winning buyers from other manufacturers; it's sure its present consumers will like the new car. If Volvo can spread the word that being safe doesn't mean you can't have fun, sales should really pick up. And for Volvo, that would be a great reason to party.
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