VOLVO 122-S AUTOMATIC
The familiar Swedish sedan is now available with automatic transmission
WHEN THE VOLVO
122 was introduced at the
London Auto Show in 1957, it was a thoroughly
new and interesting sedan that reflected the sound
engineering practices and scrupulous attention to quality
control for which the Swedish manufacturer was widely
respected. These attributes, plus a pleasant appearance and
better-than-average road manners, assured the new model a
warm welcome. Since that time it has undergone a number
of changes that have kept it mechanically up to date and has
enjoyed continuing popularity among drivers to whom a car
is more than a styling exercise. The latest change is to offer
an automatic transmission as an option and this version of
the 122-S is the subject of our test.
As it has been four years since we lasted tested a 122-S
(the "S" stands for Sport, incidentally, and distinguishes it
122
from the lower-output version sold in the home market), a
brief examination of the basic machine is perhaps indicated.
The 122-S is offered as a 2-door or 4-door sedan and as a
station wagon. In overall size, with a wheelbase of 102.5 and
a length of 175 in., the sedan is about the size we think
American compacts should be. It is big enough to be practi-
cal in U.S. driving conditions, small enough to be easy to
drive and yet not so tiny as to be accidentally stepped on.
The body/chassis is a welded-up unit and consequently dis-
plays both the vices and virtues of this type of construction.
On one hand it is strong, rattle-free and durable, but there
is also the inevitable kettle-drum effect which results in con-
siderable noise inside even though extra-thick padding is
used on the floor.
The front suspension of the 122-S is conventionally inde-
VOLVO122-S AUTOMATIC
AT A GLANCE
Price as tested
$3015
Engine
4 cyl. ohv,1780 cc, 90 bhp
Curb weight, lb
2510
Top speed, mph
90
Acceleration, 0-60 mph, sec
15.8
50-10 mph (2nd and 3rd gears), sec
11.6
Average fuel consumption, mpg
22
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