THE 1997 Volvo 850 AWD Wagon has a full-time all-wheel-drive eystem, traction control, disc brakes with ABS, leather upholstery, climate control and ig available for a test drive at Don Docksteader Motors, 8830 Cambie St, Vancouver, 325-1000. | “Volvo | diverts power to the rear wheels when the front wheels lose traction. The driver doesn’t have to do anything. In fact, it’s difficult to tell that this is a four-wheel-drive car because it drives just like a front-wheel-drive 850 on dry pavement. But in very slippery condi- tions, the extra grip of the AWD system _ provides increased traction, stability and steering control. Since it VOLVO continues to crank out different variations of the popu- lar, mid-sized 850 sedan and wagon. For 1997, theze are five versions: the base 850 has a 168 horsepower (up from 142) 2.4 liwe five cylinder engine; the GLT has a “light turbocharged” 190 horse- power version of the same engine; the T5 (formerly Turbo) has a 222 horsepower turbocharged 2.3 litre motor; and the high-performance 850R has the same motor with 240 horsepower. The newcomer, the all- wheel-drive 850 is available only as a wagon, and has a “light turbocharged” 2.5 litre five cylinder motor with 190 horsepower. -wahv Next year, two-door coupe and convertible variations of the 850 will arrive. The 850 AWD is a very versatile vehicle — it’s a prac- tical family wagon that per- forms like a European perfor- mance sedan and has the safe- SSP y of all-wheel-drive. Oh, and it looks great, too. The-all-wheel-drive system works this way: a centre vis- cous coupling automatically sSps) Base price: $48,495 ‘Type: 4-door, 5-passenger mid-size wagon Layout: transverse front engine /all-wheel-drive Engine: 2.5 litre 5 cylin- der, DOHC, 20 valves Horsepower: 90 @ 5200 Lp.m. Torque: 191 ft-lbs @ 1800 r.p.m. Curb weight: 1474 kg (3259 Ibs.) Wheelbase: (104.9 in.) Length: 4709 mm (185.4 cd 2664 mm in.) Tires: 205/55R-16 Fuel consumption: City: 12.2 1/100 km (23 m.p.g.) Hwy: 8.6 1/100 km (33 m.p.g-) Warranty: 4 years/80,000 km doesn’t have to be switched on and off, like most part- time 4WD systems, it provides instant traction should the car takes worry out hit a patch of ice or snow. This is a great car for skiers or snowboarders or tobogganers, or anyone that takes to the highway during the winter. The 850 AWD also stops well. Four wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard equip- ment. But it’s not really an off- road vehicle. Even though it has 17 cm (6.7 in.) of ground clearance, the 850 AWD is nor designed to climb boulders and straddle tree trunks. The front spoiler, for example, would be ripped off in rough conditions. , Like all 850 Wagons, the AWD model is very practical. There’s lots of storage area behind the rear scats and a textured, rubber tray helps to stop objects from sliding around, With the split folding rear seats folded down, there’s even more cargo room.. If you need to carry long objects like a ladder, the front passenger seatback will fold flat for greater cargo length. The rear hatch door lifts up to provide easy access to the rear, and the loading height is low. The 850 AWD Wagon seats five people, and unlike most wagons and sedans, there are five three-point seat- belts and five head restraints. The centre rear head restrains retracts when not in-use so that the driver's rear vision is not impeded. There’s also a built-in child safety seat in the rear centre armrest. Ar the moment, the 850 AWD is available only with a five-speed .manual transmis- sion. An automatic transmis- sion will be available later in Surel The Peack: Get Seat Belts... but vilsat about USS ao Please be a responsible pet owner and provide your dog the model year. The manual transmission is far better than previous Volvo manual trans- missions I’ve tried. Its smooth, slick shifting motion reminds me of BMW's 5- series shitter. The 190 horsepower tur- bocharged five cylinder motor offers plenty of power above 3,000 c.p.m., but below 2,000 rp.a., torque is weak. It could be the gearing of the transmission —- acceleration is slow when accelerating from 20 to 50 km-h in second gear, and the transmission needs to be put into fourth or third gear when entering the free- way. But on the highway, the 850 AWD cruises effortlessly, comforiably and quietly. Fuel consumption is rated at.12.3 1/100 km in the city and 8.6 1/160 km on the highway, For $48,495, the 850 AWD. wagon inciudes such safety features as dual airbags, dual side airbags, Volvo’s unique side impact protection systern (SIPS), low-speed trac- tion control, anti-lock brakes, ignition immobilizer, front and rear fog lights, and head- lamp washers and wipers. Standard luxury. features include leather upholstery, wood trimmed dash and con- sole, climate control, power ny It’s this easy st you make $10 or more in long distance calls cach month, you Gan save 25% off ail those calls. HW vou make S15 warth of calls, youll save 20%. Automatically. The easter, Long Distance The betler,™ of winter driving windows, power door ‘locks’. and remote. keyless ~ entry, power heated mirrors, cruise. control, 200 watt: 2 AM/FM/CD player. with 3 © speakers, tilt//telescopic steer- ing wheel, and 8-way power: driver’s seat. The 850 AWD is: shod with 205/55R-16 inch Michelin. MXM_ performance radials mounted on. five-spoke alloy wheels. Loe The only options are a " power passenger seat, auto: matic load leveling, and pre- wiring fora CD changer.'. 2 - As. a. combination family /recreational /sperts vehicle, the 850 AWD has few rivals. ; with a protective kennel fastened to the cantre oft your vehicia. Better yet, leave your dog RIG at home. wo A message frove yous log SECA. + ype eID eo ot — : , ° You must chouse BC TEL 4s your pei Hehe ees ee ee ee oe ed . . imary long distnnre service to save 25% on your song distonce calls, Fligible culls for Real Plus Extra savings include sts 5" 008 ond station to station long distance eal orn poor s s Callto enrol.1 *BBB*B*EASIER at * fee et ok Ed hd dc EL EC ar ide ew et