1996 Volvo 850R Wagon Test Drive

Front wheel drives were good to Volvo. By 1996, In the few years since the 850 series was launched, sales doubled in some North American markets. The wagons and turbos even increased the series sales by 68% in 1994. And that was not all. With their side air bags, IPS structural concept, dual front air bags and remarkably efficient four disc brakes and ABS system, these sedans and wagons certainly didn’t stray from the reputation for safety for which the Swedish make was renowned. But Volvo knew that still wasn’t enough, and readily admitted that the “safe and impact resistant” label associated with its cars couldn’t erase the “angular and uninspired” epithet. So Volvo decided to spice things up, first of all by launching the T-5R models, even sportier versions of the turbos. The “cream yellow” color was available the first year only, to high light the cars exclusivity, later on, a joint venture with British TWR group – which is behind the racing versions of the 850 and the Jaguar XJ220 produced a coupe and a convertible built on the 850s platform.