Test drive Volvo S80 2003 - 2006 sedan
Amulet
It is now all Volvo are similar to each other, like drops of genuine absolute. And five years ago, then the very young model S80 became a revelation from the point of view of design: Volvo found a new face. And not only the face of the stylistic solutions of the sidewalls and the back of the body became proprietary features of the appearance of all subsequent models of the brand. The five -year plan passed, and the time has come. The Volvo S80 has undergone light restyling, however, changes in the machines dated to the 2004 model year are purely decorative and at first glance seem invisible. Actually, the way it is. Time is not powerful over the appearance of the eighty, the car and at this time looks fresh and original. And yet: a new bumper and a radiator grille appeared in front, the head optics changed. Behind new lights and trunk lid. By the way, the latter now consists of one part, while in last year's cars it was assembled from two halves. On the convenience of using the trunk, this did not affect in any way, but it is a pity: the pantry itself is very extensive and deep, but access to it is difficult due to the modest size of the opening, formed by the raised lid.
We calculate other changes. Devices have overgrown with chrome rims once. Two door finishing has changed. There were new options for the color design of the interior three. That's perhaps that’s all. Best the enemy of the good? Perhaps, after all, the ergonomics and aesthetics of the S80 salon is a kind of pattern, according to which the internal worlds of all modern Volvo cars are cut. Unless, unlike younger models, the eighty salon is striking in its size: it seems that in it all the details are made deliberately large. A huge board of instruments with giant dials, widely front panel, large seats, skyscrapers, skyscrapers, and I am so small! Are you not tormented by fear of open spaces? I'm not! But you feel a fair supply of automobile meat from all sides. It is not at all necessary to know that Volvo is one of the safest cars in the world, this can easily be felt. The protective screen is activated!
Indeed, all the thoughts of the car are aimed at protecting their guests and the owner from foresight and unforeseen, which are inevitable when moving on public roads. Forget about the worldly bustle and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of universal peace. Take a convenient position, take the wheel. Are you pleased? Relax. Tell OM. No, no, your eyes should not be closed. Make natural movements without hesitation. Yes, you have been traveling for a long time. You see, it is as simple as breathing! Despite its dimensions, the S80 is not perceived as a heavy car. He does not rush headlong and does not barely move his legs through force, he freely rolls to where he should, and at the speed with which you wish. And this speed is not at all felt than the sound insulation. Of course, with active acceleration, you can hear the engine, which, according to the sensations, is somewhere behind the horizon. And although the tone of the motor is not too noble, it is by no means a desire to release the gas pedal, especially since this is one of the few sounds that can be extracted from Volvo.
The S80 is endowed with a long base and a soft suspension by a combination that makes the machine a low -consuming to all kinds of anomalies of the road surface. The car confidently holds the straight line, and with sharp maneuvers reacts to the actions of the steering wheel clearly, but without proper efficiency, moreover, hesitates greatly. When performing the rearrangement, the car even sways and generally demonstrates the complete absence of a sense of humor, besieging the driver with the demolition of the front axle, which develops early and lasts unpleasantly for a long time. It seemed that the reason for this is not the highest grip properties of the tires into which our car was shod.
Quickly does not mean sharply. More plastic, culture! Volvo stimulates the production of the hormone responsible for self -esteem, and I no longer want to drive. It is impossible to drive in an actually on this machine, and that's good. She is really safe from you from a lot, without tightening or provoking.
You can’t hang such a amulet on the neck and you won’t put it in your pocket. But it can be divided into several people at once. Let the car engaged in the neutralization of all negatives that can surround you. And you just live for your pleasure. And may the Lord keep you.
The car is provided by Karline.
Text: Kirill Brevdo
Photo: Roman Ostanin
A source: Wheel magazine [No. 71/2003]
