This 240bhp Volvo 850R Is Our Weekend Want

When the Volvo Concept Estate was unveiled yesterday, it caused a bit of a stir in the office. We love its sleek, sculpted shooting brake body, and can't wait to see how this new design language translates to the Swedish carmaker's production models. Volvos weren't always so curvaceous, however. And in some ways, it's the older, boxier metal from Gothenburg that interests us more. Like, for example, the 850R.

The replacement for the T-5R, the 850R packs a 2.3-litre turbocharged five-pot. The engine's 240bhp was enough for a 0-62mph time of either 6.7 or 7.5 seconds depending on if you plumped for a manual or auto, and a top speed of 158mph.

The 850 was particularly memorable for the Tom Walkinshaw Racing engineered British Touring Car Championship effort, for which an estate was initially used (below).

So, if you fancy one of these boxy beasts that drip with 90s cool, we recommend you give this £1899 one a look. Unfortunately, it's the auto; there are currently no decent manual cars for sale in the UK, and when they do crop up, they're considerably more expensive.

Fret not, though. While the performance figures may not be as impressive, it'll still feel blisteringly quick, and this example has a stainless steel exhaust, so that five-pot warble will sound even sweeter. Mileage is a little high at 165,000, but this being a Volvo, it should be good for many thousands more.

Still unsure? Let 90s Clarkson convince you.

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