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Volvo For 1997 |
By Carey Russ |
There are no major changes to the Volvo lineup this year, but that doesn't mean that the Swedish sedans and wagons are unchanged. Volvo has two model lines, the midsized 850 and flagship 96. Both are available in sedan or station wagon style. The driver and front seat passenger in all Volvos are protected by both frontal and side air bags. Daytime running lights are featured.
850
Volvo's most popular line is the mid-sized, front-wheel drive, 5-cylinder 850. There is an 850 sedan or wagon for every taste from family transportation to high-performance. Turbocharged 850T5 and 850R show that family-sized space and safety are not incompatible with performance. Non-turbo 850 and 850 GLT models are designated transitional low emissions vehicles (TLEV) by the California Air Resources Board this year. The 850GLT has a new "High Torque Low Rev" (HTLR) engine tuning that not only produces more horsepower, but has excellent low-rpm torque characteristics.
960
The largest Volvo series is offered in sedan and wagon styles. Both are fully-equipped with a host of safety, convenience, and luxury features. New two years ago, the rear-wheel drive, six-cylinder 960 Volvos are unchanged for 1997.