2004 Volvo YCC Concept

The concept's exterior is

The "Chameleon" paint of the YCC is covered with a Teflon-like coating so dirt won't stick. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada)

finished in "Chameleon" paint which picks up different hues depending how you look at it. But the colors, which range from green to gold or blue to yellow, aren't all that Volvo is concerned with when it comes to surface treatments. The paint is topped with a Teflon-like coating so dirt won't stick, and the bumpers are treated with a material that's scuff resistant. The result: a car that looks new even after going without a wash for months at a time. I think women should design cars more often.

So it's practical, stylish and innovative; what's under the hood? It's not as grand as initially expected, but the powerplant the engineers chose is practical and thoughtful. The YCC features a version of Volvo's ubiquitous five-cylinder engine, with output limited to just 215 horsepower. While it's more than enough to

Unlike Volvo's ACC and PCC concepts, the YCC features the brand's ubiquitous five-cylinder engine, with output limited to just 215 horsepower. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada)

propel a compact coupe of this size, after seeing the ACC and PCC concepts, 215 horsepower seems somewhat anemic.

To address both performance-oriented and relaxing driving styles, the car is equipped with a six-speed clutchless manual transmission featuring a fully automatic mode and a manual mode with steering-wheel mounted paddles for changing gears. To top it all off, the YCC is eco-friendly as well. It is PZEV (Partially Zero Emissions Vehicle) compliant thanks to the green motor, plus the addition of an integrated starter-generator that shuts the motor off when idling just like the Honda Insight.