Although this is a thoroughly equipped vehicle in it's basic form, our test vehicle had everything you can add to a 960. We particularly appreciated the Cold Weather Package, which includes heated front seats and an outside temperature gauge. We found our 960 to be a refined, well-mannered car with a strong body structure. A favourite was the three driving modes programmed into the automatic transmission controls, selectable via a console-mounted switch. The Winter mode locks out first and second gear, to minimize wheel spin on slick stuff.
Economy dictates earlier up shifts, to keep engine rpm down for better fuel economy.
And the Sport mode holds up shift points longer, keeping the engine at higher rpm for better acceleration. Ride quality is just this side of sumptuous, with the confidence-inspiring feel of European suspension tuning. Like other European manufacturers, Volvo builds to wide-open German autobahn standards, which places the highest possible premium on responsive handling and superior braking. The 960 has both. Although we tend to think of Volvos in terms of their outstanding crashworthiness, they're also thoroughly competent in terms of these active safety features as well.