VOLVO 940 (1990-1998)
The Volvo 940/960 range was introduced in autumn 1990. The new 940 replaced the 740 which, however, remained in production as the basic 740 GL model. A 4-cylinder petrol engine or a 6-cylinder turbo-diesel powered the Volvo 940, which resembled the 960.
The Volvo 940 also launched a number of new safety features. Together with its luxury sibling the 960, a three-point inertia-reel seat belt was fitted as standard together with an adjustable head restraint in the middle of the rear seat, heralding a world breakthrough for these features. Furthermore, an integrated child seat built into the rear seat's middle armrest could be specified as an option.
These and other safety developments gained the model many international accolades, not least among them the "Prince Michael Road Safety Award" and the "Autocar & Motor" prize for the best safety features.
Volvo being already a leading manufacturer of comfortable estate cars by that time, it was natural to include a 940 estate car in the product programme. The 940 estate almost became as legendary as the predecessor 245/240 estate, not least being the last rear-wheel drive Volvo model (together with the S90/V90 series).
The 940 estate was very similar to the 960 estate - except for its live rear axle instead of the independent multilink on the 960 - and provided comfortable and safe estate car motoring 'for the masses'. In this it was the successor to cars like the Duett, the P220 'Amazon Estate car', the 145, the 245/240 Estate and the 740 Estate.
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: 940
Produced: 246,704 (Sedan), 231,677 (Estate)
Body: 4-door sedan / 5-door estate
Engine: 4-cylinder in-line SOHC unit, 1,986 cc, 88.9 x 80 mm; 4-cylinder in-line SOHC unit 2,316 cc with/ without turbocharger, and 6-cylinder in-line SOHC 2,383 cc Turbo-Diesel
Transmission: 4-speed manual with overdrive or 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Brakes: Hydraulic, all-round disc brakes
Dimensions: Overall length 487 cm, Wheelbase 277 cm.