A Volvo is a Volvo is a Volvo to many people. Boxy, t all, durable and safe, theses cars have a family resemblance that is pretty much unmistakable. For 1995, though, the 960 sedan gets and exterior make-over that rounds it sufficiently to improve the aerodynamics - its coefficient of drag drops form 0.34 to 0.32.The 960's lower and smoother front lights, grilled and fenders anchor it more closely to the ground, while the body-colored bumpers soften the overall appearance. Add in handsome 16-in. alloy wheels, Michelin all-season tires (205/55 VR-16) and our test car's lush metallic hunter green paint and the look verges on jaunty, in a dignified sort of way. A revised multi-link rear suspension is available this year. The 960 sedan has seen this type of suspension before, but this is the first time it has been fitted on the 960 wagon. A Volvo engineer's thoughts rarely stray from safety, and the new 960 has several enhanced safety features. When re-engineering the front suspension to lessen body roll and brake dive, engineers took the opportunity to add a diagonal cross-member that will manage crash forces better in an offset frontal collision (the sort of accident in which a car crossing from the other lane hits the front corner of your car). Also, additional high-strength steel inserts in the front fender wells reduce the amount of wheel intrusion in an accident, and several energy-absorbing door inserts improve side-impact protection.
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