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A true Swede - Volvo 343 in the (historical) test

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Created on May 15, 1976

Text:

Paul Simsa

Photos:

Archiv

39

Archiv

39

Volvo 343 (1976) - as a three-door model

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Volvo 343 (1976) - compact station wagon

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Volvo 343 (1976) - angular rear end

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Volvo 343 (1976) - distinctive Volvo grille

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Volvo 343 (1976) - above-average impact safety

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Bumpers serve as impact bodies

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Tank fireproof according to Volvo

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Transaxle type

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Volvo 343 (1976) - particularly true to track

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Volvo 343 (1976) - driving with accelerator and brake, no gear shifting

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Volvo 343 (1976) - solid mid-range driving experience

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Volvo 343 (1976) - with continuously variable fully automatic transmission

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Engine braking on a downhill gradient

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Volvo 343 (1976) - sluggish overtaking acceleration

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Volvo 343 DL (1976) - spacious trunk

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Volvo 343 (1976) - in typical Swedish surroundings

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Volvo 343 DL (1976) - Tailgate latch secure against popping open

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Volvo 343 (1976) - easy entry

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Cockpit

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Volvo 343 (1976) - good shape and mass of the front seats

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Volvo 343 (1976) - good visibility thanks to a low waistline

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Volvo 343 (1976) - plenty of legroom

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Volvo 343 (1976) - also provides a safety device for children

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Volvo 343 (1976) - solid passenger cell

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Volvo 343 DL (1976) - with stub rear end

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Volvo 343 (1976) - during test drives

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Volvo 343 (1976) - for short and long distances

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Volvo 343 DL (1976) - big novelty, prices expected to be between 16,000 and 17,000 francs - Geneva Motor Show 1976

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Volvo 343 DL (1976) - 1.4 liter super petrol engine

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Volvo 343 (1976) - beautifully tidy fuse box

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Transparent drawing with explanations

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Volvo 343 (1976) - View into the engine

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Dashboard and functions

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Dimensions

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Transparency drawing

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Rear axle

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Front axle

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Volvo 343 (1976) - Turning circles

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Summary

The Volvo 343 was based on a development by DAF, which was polished up with the Volvo ideologies of safety and quality. The fully automatic continuously variable transmission with double V-belt came from the Dutch, the body design from an Englishman based in Italy and the engine from Renault. The result was an interesting compact Volvo, which was tested on German roads for the first time in 1976.

This article contains the following chapters

Volvo principle: Impact safety
Access and space: Convenient dimensions
Equipment: In keeping with the class
Instruments: Not ideal in view
Automatic transmission: Stepless with belt
Riding experience: No shifting, temperament only moderate
Road holding and comfort: pleasing
Plus points
Minus points
Overall mot verdict
Technical data & measured values

Estimated reading time: 12min

Preview (beginning of the article)

DAF became Volvo: in 1975, the Swedes bought the only Dutch passenger car factory. The small DAF 66 lives on as the Volvo 66. The new Volvo 343 goes back to a prototype that Volvo started developing in 1972. It was early enough to incorporate the Volvo ideology of safety and quality. The fully automatic continuously variable transmission with double V-belts was developed by the Dutch. The body design was created by an Englishman based in Italy. The engine was supplied by Renault. The result is an interesting compact Volvo. The price, however, is a shock at first glance: DM 13,980 for the two-door station wagon with a 1.4 liter super petrol engine. No other versions were planned.

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