hotter version of the 350 turbo

Greg

IN the Fall of 1992, Volvo introduced the front-wheel-drive 850 sedan, an entry-level lux- q _ury sedan to replace the aging 240.

At the time, critics called

the 850 ‘too sporty’ to be a Volvo. It had flashy alloy

iq’ wheels, excellent handling,

and considerably better per- foymance than the 240. Since Volvo had built its reputation on safety and dependability over the years, many won- dered whether Volvo was ;. making the right decision _Wwith the 850's sporty design.

Then in 1993, Volvo brought out the 850 Turbo, a 222 horsepower, tur- bocharged version of the 850 with even better handling, braking, and acceleration —- and loaded with luxury fea- tures. [t was even available as a station wagon.

The coup de grace came early in 1995 when Volvo introduced a limited produc- tion version of the 850 Furbo called the T-5R - the most powerful production Volvo ever built. The T-5R had 250 horsepower, huge 17-inch alloy wheels and Z-rated high-performance tires, a stiffer suspension and a sportier interior. It was avail- able as a sedan or wagon in two distinct colors: black or bright yellow. Only about 100 T5-R’s were sold in Canada in 1995,

In the space of just four years, Volvo had changed its image from a maker of safe, practical luxury curs to a maker of safe, practical and sporty luxury automobiles.

Was it a successful trans-

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formation? Volvo's sales tell the story: they’ve skyrocket- ed since 1993,

For 1996, the high-perfor- mance T5-R was renamed the 850R, but it’s essentially the same car as last year — except that it’s now available in bright red und black, but not yellow. (Collectors take note: yeHow 1995 T5-R’s are rare).

You can distinguish an &50R from the Turbo by its rear spoiler, front air dam, and six-spoke “titanium- grey” alloy wheels on low- profile 17-inch Pirelli P-Zero lires, These tires have fantas- tic grip but produce a stiff ride because of their narrow sidewalls. | would recom- mend ordering the no-cost option, higher profile 205/50-16 inch radials for improved ride comlort.

Inside the 850R, two unique woodgrain colors are available for the dash and console: a light Scandinavian Birchwood inlay with match-

See Volvo page 4

990-9221 ABBOTSFORD

Beced cn e Me mersh sumberan aera Rep ederecen ie New customers only. CAC: ‘ne caer

Photo submitted

THE 1996 Volvo 8508 is a sporty version of the 650 Turbo. Unique features include lower proilie tires and 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler and fzont air dam, suede- leather inserts and sport seats, and an increase in horsepower to 250 from 222.

MERCEDES BENZ OWNERS

If you wish co sell your vehicle directly to Mercedes Benz or if you would fike a current evaluation of your vehicle, please contact the Sales Manager at your convenience.

The 4 door Suzuki Sidekick is nol only the

lowest priced four-door suort utility vehicle in Canada,

itS also one ci the best. With dual front airbags,

shift-onthe-tly 4 wheel drive and @ surprisingly powerlul 16 valve eine-2 backed by our famous Japanese quality 24 hour roadside assistance and 3-year/B0 200km warranty—the Sidekick is Canada’s best value an (and off) the road.

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