Now don't get me wrong, not being intuitively designed should not be interpreted as burdensome. Once I figured it out, the process became very straightforward. I point this out because I think the audio controls in the S80 are a perfect example of how Volvo doesn't necessarily follow the flow, if
 |
| Volvo keeps the S80's interior free of glitzy LCD screens. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
you will, when it comes to engineering and design. Like a kid who could care less about peer pressure, I got the sense that Volvo could care less about the pressure to copy what is either status quo or trendy in the automotive world. For example, there isn't a glitzy LCD screen glowing annoyingly in the dash of Volvo's flagship sedan. Just the same I couldn't find a myriad of little buttons lined up row upon row on the dash. What is found, are easy to use dials for adjusting the temperature, fan and audio settings. Also present is one of the best HVAC control panels in the industry.
 |
| The Volvo S80 incorporates one of the best HVAC control panels in the industry. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Printed across the three large buttons comprising the panel is the outline of a body and head, in the seated position. By pressing the button that represents the area of the body that I wanted ventilated, the system silently reconfigures and fulfills the request. So now that we've dealt with air delivery, and other pre-drive matters, let's fire up the 208 horsepower, light pressure turbocharged and intercooled inline 5-cylinder with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), and head onto the dimly lit, wet city streets. The transversely mounted 2.5 liter (153 cu-in) DOHC engine runs quietly and with remarkable smoothness within normal operating parameters.
