Source : Autotest 1995
Author : Unknown
Editor : Kluwer Voertuigtechniek
Weīre one family and we would like to know that ! That might have been the thoughts within Volvo when they launched the renewed 400-serie at the end of 1993. That 400 is build in the NedCar-plant in the Dutch town Born. What was more likely that the successful 850 was used as basis for this revival. So the 400 got the looks of the 850. We drove both 440 GLT and 460 GLT.
Besides the external renewal also the interior got a workout and the two liter engine was slightly changed. One horsepower left and some pulling power was added. That was a smart move because it makes this Volvo more attractive to caravan owners. The two liter engines from Volvo were already known in that world for their extensive pulling power. That has now been increased. The fact that the merger between Volvo and Renault failed didnīt stop them to use French engines in the 400-series. These engines are by the way build completely according to Volvo specifications.
The Volvo 440 GLT is not a car that shows sprankling forms. In this class, with many business-drivers, that is not the purpose. A car should be functional and reliable and should offer preferably much space. Thatīs the case with this sedan. Nevertheless the face-lift was a success. Not only the new grille and headlights, of which the 850 was the trendsetter, but also the front- and rearbumper and the rear-light units have been changed. The car has improved, but still doesnīt look as the most modern car on the market. It is clear though that there is a robust car on wonderful 6-spoke light alloy wheels that gives the impression that it will not let itīs driver down.
The same applies to the interior of this Volvo. Not the most
futuristic interior, but functional and ergonomically. Everything
is their where you might expect it. De GLT-versions have
electrical operated windows and mirrors and a nice combination of
leather and fabric on the seats in front and back. Besides that
Volvo added some extraīs (the abbreviation GLT should have some
content). This Swedish car is equiped with a rev-counter, reading
lights in front and back, lights in the dashboardlocker and in
the trunc and bags in the back of the front seats.
The chairs are completly new designed. As far as we are concerned
this was not necessary, they were already good. But the seats
have improved and the adjustment of the back of the chair is now
without seperate steps through a knob at the front-end of the
chair. Thank for that Volvo, as it allows you to adjust the chair
with the doors closed. There is however one disadvantage in the
door-design of the Volvo: the door-handle is situated a little
bit in front of the door-locker.
In the back two large adults can sit reasonably well. Three is
also possible, but with the risc that they are broken after a
long trip.
The back of the rear-seat can be lied down offering in
combination with the exsisting large luggage-area an enormous
luggage compartment.
Itīs strange the Volvo, safety company par excellence, offers
very sofisticated options to protect the passangers (automatic
height-adjustment of the safety-belts, side impact system, etc.)
but doesnīt count an airbag as a standard option. It requires
additional charge.
The five-speed gearbox in this Volvo operates exact and easily.
Nevertheless the handle has to be moved firmly to the different
positions. This can be done without any trouble and the ratios
are well adapted to the elasticity of the engine.
The amount of noise within the Volvo remains within limits. Only high revs causes the engine to produce some extra noise. But nowbody will use the gears in that way.
The Volvo has a chassis that cannot be counted to the state-of-the-art. In the front independend suspension, in the back semi-independend torsion axle with screwed springs. That there is nothing wrong with that, proves the car not only with good comfort. The car runs in alignment perfectly, doesn+t need many corrections and that secures an easy driving characterisic. Only quenching could have be a little bit more firmly, as far as we are concerned, that would have improved the road-holding at higher speeds and would have given more contents to the letters GLT.
The two liter engine lost one horsepower during the last
review., but the remaining horses offer remarkably more pulling
power. The acceleration of the car, especially from 80 up to 120
km/h and from 60 up to 100 km/h has improved and there wasnīt a
big difference in top speed. The engine, with codename B20F, now
offers 109 ps (80 kW) at 5200 rpm. The highest torque is already
reached at 3500 rpm and the curve remains flat over a large part
of the revs.
The top speed of the car is said to be 185 km/h. We didnīt reach
that. After a long try (there isnīt much spirit above 170 km/h)
the chrono showed 182 km/h. The needle of the speedometer showed
not far from that value: at 190 km/h. The acceleration is very
appropriate: we needed a little over 10 seconds (10,4) to reach
100 km/h.
Despite our efforts to push this car as hard as we could, the fluid in the gas-tank remained calm. According to ECE standards an average fueluse of 1:12,5 is possible. Thatīs a nice thought, but besides the thruth. We did a 1:10,6 and thatīs not bad for the 460, given hour driving style. It also means that people who take it a little bit more easy might reach the 1:12. The 460 reached to a 1:11,4.
CONCLUSION
The Volvo 440/460 GLT is a spacy, solid feeling car with a solid
price-tag. For that you will get something. Economy for example,
easy pulling power and a quite luxury interior. Besides that
Volvo offers for that price quite some safety. Without saying
that the 460 is the top of design, it is to be said that the car
in this apperance can be attractive for years to come. Besides
that, these Swedish cars have the nice habit that they are solid
values as an occasion. That high return-value should be taken
into account when looking at the high price!