Rather than following the status quo of conventional push button selectors, Volvo uses a rotating dial to access previously selected radio stations. The 150-watt audio system (with 4-stacking in-dash CD player, Dolby pro-Logic surround sound and ground shattering active sub-woofer) is sensational to say the least. Not only does this approach occupy less space, it results in a cleaner design.
Just below the stereo is another break from tradition. Volvo's climate control system is simple, incorporating large buttons with easy to understand pictograms for directing airflow, with rotating knobs for fan speed and other adjustments. What's more, in a stroke of genius Volvo placed air vents in the door pillars directing airflow to rear occupants. Speaking of the rear occupants, Volvo takes good care of those who can't speak for themselves with an integrated child safety seat system consisting of an ISO-FIX mounting, baby seat, and child seat for children up to 3 years old.
Practicality continues with a multitude of handy storage compartments, tie-down hooks, a garbage pail and cup-holders galore (the one in the dash is seriously heavy duty). Fold down the center armrest to find a passageway for skis, an uncommon feature in station wagons. Speaking of skis, you won't have to worry about getting the interior of this Volvo dirty. Its best in class floor mats fit perfectly, covering every inch of floor space (BTW: floor mats have to be absolutely outstanding to be worthy of any mention at all in an automotive review). Loading cargo won't be a problem with 35.9 cu. ft. (1.01 m3) of storage in back and 71.5 cu. ft. (2.02 m3) with the split rear seats folded flat.
The techno crowd will be wooed by Volvos slick GPS system. A motorized LCD display rises up out of the dash when needed. Its placement makes it fairly easy to read directions without having to take your eyes off the road, but it's still a good idea to pull over if you don't have a navigator at your side.
Just below the stereo is another break from tradition. Volvo's climate control system is simple, incorporating large buttons with easy to understand pictograms for directing airflow, with rotating knobs for fan speed and other adjustments. What's more, in a stroke of genius Volvo placed air vents in the door pillars directing airflow to rear occupants. Speaking of the rear occupants, Volvo takes good care of those who can't speak for themselves with an integrated child safety seat system consisting of an ISO-FIX mounting, baby seat, and child seat for children up to 3 years old.
Practicality continues with a multitude of handy storage compartments, tie-down hooks, a garbage pail and cup-holders galore (the one in the dash is seriously heavy duty). Fold down the center armrest to find a passageway for skis, an uncommon feature in station wagons. Speaking of skis, you won't have to worry about getting the interior of this Volvo dirty. Its best in class floor mats fit perfectly, covering every inch of floor space (BTW: floor mats have to be absolutely outstanding to be worthy of any mention at all in an automotive review). Loading cargo won't be a problem with 35.9 cu. ft. (1.01 m3) of storage in back and 71.5 cu. ft. (2.02 m3) with the split rear seats folded flat.
The techno crowd will be wooed by Volvos slick GPS system. A motorized LCD display rises up out of the dash when needed. Its placement makes it fairly easy to read directions without having to take your eyes off the road, but it's still a good idea to pull over if you don't have a navigator at your side.