Volvo, 850 Little Known Facts
- First turbocharged engine: The Volvo 850 was the first mass-produced car with a turbocharged engine (the B5234T) to be produced in Europe.
- Front-wheel drive layout: It featured a transverse front-engine, all-wheel-drive (AWD) layout, which provided improved traction and stability on slippery roads.
- Integrated fuel injection system: The 850 was equipped with an electronic fuel injection (EFI) system that utilized a series of sensors to optimize engine performance.
- Driver's airbag availability: In some markets, the Volvo 850 became one of the first production vehicles where the driver's side airbag was made available as an optional feature from the start of production in 1991.
- Side impact protection: It featured side impact protection for both occupants by incorporating deformation zones and side-mounted airbags in certain trim levels.
- First use of the 'SIPS' technology: The Volvo 850 was among the first vehicles to utilize the Swedish company's 'Safety Package Integrated into the Structure' (SIPS) system, a design that absorbs impact energy through strategically placed crumple zones and deformable structures within the vehicle body.
- Three-door model available: In some markets, especially Europe, the Volvo 850 was offered as a three-door hatchback variant for those preferring a more agile handling experience and easier parking in tight spaces.
- A high-performance version: The 850 Turbo R featured a heavily upgraded engine with turbocharging, intercooling, and dual exhausts to deliver improved performance capabilities compared to other variants of the vehicle.
- First Volvo to get an oil-cooled engine block: Some versions of the B5237T engine used in higher trim levels were fitted with an oil-cooled engine block for improved engine durability under high-performance driving conditions.
- Engine options range wide: The Volvo 850 was produced with a variety of engines including petrol (B5254S, B5254F, and B5234T) and diesel (D2A, D3A, and D4A), offering something to suit various customer needs and preferences regarding fuel efficiency and power output.
- The final Volvo 850 was produced in 1997: Despite its solid reputation for safety and reliability, the 850 series reached the end of its production run in late 1996/early 1997 across all markets.
- Frontal offset crash tests were a benchmark: The Volvo 850's robust construction made it a model to follow in terms of safety standards when subjected to frontal offset impact tests by various independent agencies worldwide.
- Improved aerodynamics and reduced emissions: As the production of the Volvo 850 progressed, efforts were made to enhance its aerodynamic profile while also focusing on lowering emissions output through engine tweaks and emissions control technologies like catalytic converters.
- Torsional rigidity enhanced for better handling: The vehicle's body was designed with additional torsional stiffness to help maintain stability under varying driving conditions, contributing to improved overall ride quality.
- The Volvo 850 was among the first production cars with a driver's seat height adjustment built as standard equipment in several markets: This feature aimed at enhancing comfort and safety by allowing drivers of different statures to position themselves in an optimal way for better visibility and control over the vehicle.
- Volvo S40 and V40 derivatives: The Volvo 850 also spawned both S40 (hatchback) and V40 (estate/wagon) models, further expanding the family's lineup with vehicles tailored towards different market segments and preferences regarding body style and functionality.
- A relatively short production run: Although launched in 1991, it was only a few years later that significant changes were implemented for the 1995 facelift, signifying a relatively short lifespan compared to its successors or other models within the same era from competitors like Volkswagen and BMW, which offered more frequent updates throughout their respective runs.
- Rear disc brakes in some models: Depending on the specific engine combination chosen by customers, certain versions of the Volvo 850 would also come equipped with rear disc brake units for added stopping power under heavy braking conditions or when carrying heavy loads.
- A wide variety of trim levels and special editions were available: Given its long production run and global distribution network, a range of limited edition models was produced to celebrate significant milestones, commemorate partnerships, or honor Volvo's heritage within the automotive community worldwide.
- Last 850s featured new interior options: As production wound down on the final batches of the car, designers worked on refining the cabin experience by introducing fresh material choices and configurations for trim pieces throughout the vehicle's cockpit.
- Engine displacement range: From a base capacity of about 1.7 liters up to 2.4 liters in turbocharged configurations, Volvo managed to provide considerable flexibility in terms of power output while still keeping overall dimensions within manageable parameters.
- Volvo had an unusual approach to engine tuning: The company would sometimes modify existing engines for specific markets based on feedback from local customers and engineers, this often translated into changes like boost pressure or camshaft profile to better suit the performance expectations of drivers in those regions.
- Some models came with a four-speed automatic gearbox: A segment of the Volvo 850 lineup featured an automatic transmission with a lock-up torque converter and electronic control for optimized efficiency under various driving conditions.
- Side airbags were available on some trims but not others: The availability of side-impact airbags varied by market, engine choice, or specific trim levels, indicating how safety features in the early 90s often came with a price premium due to their relatively high cost compared to other optional upgrades at that time.
- Volvo introduced the world's first electronic traction control system (TC) on the 850: The Traction Control System (TCS), which actively intervened when wheelspin was detected by sensors monitoring wheel speed, helped prevent loss of control during acceleration from low-speed maneuvers under slippery conditions or with a heavy load.
- The Volvo 850 featured advanced electronic instrumentation in some markets: Some versions came equipped with digital instrument clusters featuring functions like engine oil temperature gauges and battery charge indicators for added convenience.
- A limited number of high-performance Volvos were produced, especially for export markets: In response to local preferences or market trends, the manufacturer decided to create special variants that would appeal directly to enthusiasts in select regions, offering enhanced performance capabilities over standard models available elsewhere.
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