dvive SINCE its introduc- tion in 1993, the mid- sized Volvo 850 has bezi one of the best- selling mid-sized luxu- ry cars in Canada. Last year for example, the 850 outsold the BMW 318i, 328i, and 528i, Mercedes- Benz C230 and C280, and Acura TL and RL. In the mid-sized luxury car seg- ment, only the Buick LeSabre was more popular. The 850’s popularity can be attributed co a number of factors: a solid reputation for safety, a roomier interior than most cars in its price range, surprisingly sporty handling, and relatively good value. In addition, the 850 is available as a sedan and a station wagon, is offered with an optional high-performance turbocharged engine, and is offered with all-wheel-drive (on the wagon mode! only). None of its competitors, except Audi, offers these fea- tures. But after four years, the 850’s styling is beginning to look a little dated, particularly as its competitors are adopting rounder, more acrodynamic shapes. Volvo is not ready to introduce an all- new model just yet, so the 1998 models (which are already in dealerships) have been given softer edges, a new interior — and a . ew name, . 850 sedans are now called $70 (S for sedan); 850 wagons are V70 (for versatile wagon); and the upcoming 850 coupe and converuble will be called C70. Volvo's top-of-the-line six-cylinder 960 ‘ series sedans and wagons have been re- named S890 and V90. Most of the $70’s bady panels are new, bur styling differences are subtle. Look closely and you'll see a new hood with a prominent V-shape, a narrower grille, revised headlamps, and a new front bumper. At the rear, the new taillamps have rounder corners, the trunklid has a prominent lip, and the bumper has been redesigned. Bumpers, mouldings and outside mirrors are now body-colored on ail $70 models. Yi a 4 “ To give the $70 a sleeker profile, the base of the front windscreen has been moved for- wards by two inches (5 cra) and the rear window is rounder and has been nioved rearwards slightly. The front of the $70 and V70 are idenvical to the all-new C70 Coupe and C70 Convertible, which are due to come out in the Fall and Spring respectively. Inside the $70, the square-edged dash has Techaicat Data 1998 Volve $70 Base price: $33,695 Price as tested: $40,995 ‘Type: four-door, five-passenger sedan see levers in the armrests, have been replaced by smaller, chromed handles in the upper door area. The power window buttons and power mirror controls, which were in the centre console, have been mo-ed to the doors. The $70 is already one of the safest cars in the world, but Volvo has added additional safery features this year. The B pillar (centre pillar) has been widened to absorb more of Layout: transverse front engine /front-wheel-drive Engine: 2.4-litre inline five-cylinder, DOHC, 20 valves Horsepower: 168 @ 6,100 r.p.m. Torque: 162 ft.-Ibs. @ 4,700 r.p.m. Curb weight: 1,413 kg (3,148 lbs.) Tires: 195/60R-15 Wheelbase: 2,664 mm (104.9 in.) Lengtii: 4,660 mm (183.5 in.) been replaced by a more attractive curved dashboard with flowing lines and better color combinations. In a concession to North American tastes, some controls have been repositioned to make them easier to use. The door handles, previously pull-type the forces of a side-impact collision and the headliner has more padding for head protwe- tion. The collapsible steering coluinn has 3 new three-section design for greater chest protection, and the automatic seatbelt ten- sioners have been improved. THE 1998 Voivo S70 was previously called the 850. Changes include smoother, rounder styling, a new interior, and more safety fea- tures. Test drive the new Voivos at Specialty Motor Cars, 1235 Marine Dr., North Vancouver. Photo submitied All this is in addition to the $70's standard frant and side airbags (the latier located in the side bolsters of the front seats), Volvo’s unique SIPS (side impact protection sys- tem) a crash-resistant struc- ture that extends across the width of the car, and a body structure than includes tront and rear crumple zones and roll-over protection. Other minor changes tor 1998 models include a height adjustable driver's seat and new remote trunk and fuel door switches locat- ed in the driver’s door panel. To discourage thieves, the door-lock cylinder rotates freely if forced. The $70 and V70 models continue to use the same five-cylinder engines as before: base models have a transversely- mounted 168 horsepower 2.4-litre five-cylin- der engine and standard five-speed manual 7 or optiona! four-speed automatic transmis- sion; GLT models have a “low-pressure” tur- bocharged 190 horsepower 2.5-litre five- cylinder engine and standard four-speed so transmission (no manual transmis- sion). High-performance $70 T-5 versions offer a turbocharged 240 horsepower 2.3-litre five-cylinder motor with manual or automat- ic transmissions. The 1998 Volvo S70 sedans and wagons continue to offer spacious, comfortable inte- riors with plenty of headroom and legroom. Wagons, in particular, offer abundant cargo room ina vehicle that drives more like a sports sedan than a station wagon. Standard equipment on base models includes air conditioning, power stecring, central locking with remote keyfob, six speaker /100-watt sound system, anti-theft alarm, four wheel disc brakes with ABS, and 195/60R-15 inch tires. : The 1998 manufacturer’s suggested retail prices are up about two percent: $33,695 for the base $70 sedan; $40,995 for the $70 GLT; and $43,695 for the S70 T-5. The all- wheel-drive V70 wagon is priced at $48,995. All $70 and V70 models sold in Canada are assembled in Halifax, Nova Scotia. ne ar \ e t _\ Wagstaffe-Autobody. “Get the personal touch” SERVICE & USED PARTS MECHANICAL & BODY FARTS: This special 1.9% finance tate is hese NOR TA. 7 yy é ‘ ie i Ae | NN = *FREE ESTIMATES ~ *COURTESY CARS our way of thanking you tor Volvo's great success on the North Shore. * {Accredited Collision Repairs 116 PembertonAve. 984-0512 Visit your North Shore Volvo A retailer before April 30 for 1.9% : Pp financing on new 1997 Volvos. SPECIALTY VOLVO 1235 Marine Drive, North Vancouver (604) 980-2464 iimited avai STOCK units ‘and limited time offer until Apri 30, 1997. Maximum iariced ammou oth 08s space ree SCQ000 for a 8 month ta (exng B90 SE). For car specification, visit our Volvo website at intp/Awww. Specially-volve-subaru. Nor~-est Radiators specialists since { RADIAT OR & AiR CONDITIONING * New, Used % Re-core * Complete Service * Gas Tanks ~ & Repair * Water Purmps AIC Retrofitting 1175 West 14th St. SINCE 1975 PARTS FOR ALL MAKES AUTOMOTIVE, MARINE & UGHT INDUSTRIAL Machine Shop Service