Introduction, Exterior

Introduction, exterior





Introduction
Volvo is already an established name in the family car sector, but is relatively weak in the young adult and adults whose children have left home sectors. The P23 will be marketed for these two groups.
A sedan model, such as the P23, is considered by these two sectors to be the most desirable model to purchase. The P23 will only be available as a sedan.
Using the latest in electronic engine management systems and variable camshaft timing (on certain engines), fuel combustion is more effective and the amount of environmentally harmful matter is reduced. The P23 has low rolling and wind resistance, Cd 0.30 (compared to the S40, 0.31-0.32)
It has been declared that by the year 2002 85 % of the material used in the construction of cars should be recyclable. The P23 already fulfills this requirement thanks to Volvo's recently developed "Design for Recycling (DFR)" principle.
The safety for the driver and passenger has also been developed to become market leading, both in active and passive safety systems.

Colors
12 colors will be offered. 3 solid, 9 metallic/pearl colors. There are two new metallic/pearl colors, JAVA pearl and Moondust metallic. All colors are water based.
The underseal is solvent free.

Painted components
The front section the soft nose covering the front bumper and grille, the rear bumper, door mirror cover, roof trim, tailgate plastic panel and exterior door handles are color coded.

Lighting
Headlamps with hardened clear glass. This makes them more resistant to stone chips because there is less tension built into the glass.
There will be a shield on the headlights to prevent the customer from adjusting the horizontal position of the lamp. This applies only to the USA where it is a legal requirement.
Sidemarker lamps, separate at the front, integrated into the rear lamp units at the rear.
Beside the rear license plate there is a security unlocking mechanism which can be used if the central locking does not work.
As an option a bulb may be installed in each door mirror which, together with the interior lighting, parking lamps and license plate lighting, light up as so called approach lights. Activated by the remote control.
When one leaves the car the "guide me home" lighting can be activated using the headlamp flash stalk. The lamps (low beam, parking lamps, license plate lighting and the lamps in the door mirrors) light for either 30, 60 or 90 seconds (programmable).

General
The well known Volvo emblem has a more modern tone.
Only the driver's door has a door lock, this is of the rotating type.

Windows
The windows are tinted and 4-5 mm (0.16-0.20 in) in thick to reduce the noise level in the car.
Power windows are standard.

Wheel rims/Tires