The generously expansive windows of our 850 Sportswagon offered all-around visibility. The instrument cluster was beautiful in its simplicity - no faux-cockpit digitized conceits there. Everything was straightforward and conveniently laid out.The instrument console controls gave our driver easy access to the windows, the heater, the shift-lock override and the traction-control system. In the event of differing tastes in temperature levels, the 850 Sportswagon should help keep the peace with its separate heater controls for the driver and front passenger. Volvo engineers in chilly Sweden evidently empathize with drivers in the more frigid regions of the United States: The rear view mirror and all the outside mirrors were heated, and the transmission could be adjusted to a winter mode to prevent rocket-like takeoffs in third gear on icy roads. Up front, the power-seat option offered the driver and Passenger a variety of positions for maximum comfort. And the front seats could each be preprogrammed to return to a preferred position. Once again, it was in the aft section of the Sportswagon that Volvo engineers earned our praise for smart, functional design. The rear seat boasted three-point, self-adjusting seat belts that were fastened to the seat backs, not the door pillars. So when the seats were folded down, the belts folded down with them instead of getting in the way of cargo. The rear seat was designed with a 60/40 split, and either one or both of the seats folded down depending on cargo needs. For maximum storage, the front passenger seat folded forward, allowing 10 feet of horizontal storage space. The rear seat configuration also included a fold-down armrest that could double as a booster seat for a small child. However, it didn't appear that it would afford junior much comfort on long trips.
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