2005 Volvo V50 T5 AWD Road Test

Where the company has made inroads in the last decade or so is in the

The elegant center control that looks like it was stolen from a Scandinavian sculpture exhibit. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

interior styling and functionality of its vehicles. The V50 is just the latest in a determined march toward producing the fit and finish, ergonomics and overall good design found in German and Japanese automobiles.

Setting off the V50's interior is a truly elegant center control that looks like it was stolen from a Scandinavian sculpture exhibit. Housing the V50's climate and audio controls, the floating console flows like a waterfall into the gear shift and handbrake area.

Finally, being a station wagon,

Being a station wagon, cargo handling and versatility are both excellent in the V50. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

cargo handling and versatility are both excellent in the V50. Not only do all seats but the driver's fold flat, the space inside this midsize wagon is very big.

How big? I stuffed an eight-foot Christmas tree into the back of the V50, and astounded the scout master who sold me the tree by closing the rear hatch with the entire tree inside.

Why was it again you wanted that minivan?