When asking for a date, what's on the outside produces initial attraction between two people. But when selecting a mate, what's on the inside counts most, and Volvo has crafted a comfortable and uncluttered cabin for the 2005 V50.

Most innovative is the V50's waterfall-style central control panel. This panel, about two inches thick and housing the buttons and knobs that operate the stereo, climate and trip computer systems, gives the Volvo V50's cabin a contemporary and high-tech appearance. Aluminum trim (optional on the 2.4i) helps to set this exclusive design feature apart, while the rest of the interior is outfitted with upscale materials, including soft-touch dash and door panels as well as a fabric headliner. Aside from a few glossy pieces of plastic, nothing inside the V50 announces that it's anything less than a luxury car.

Major controls are easy to find and use, including the handy rear wiper switch, which is logically located on the tip of the wiper stalk. The buttons on the waterfall control panel are grouped closely together to maintain the interior's minimalist theme, but we found them somewhat hard to find and use while underway. One-touch control for windows and the sunroof, however, gives you more time to fiddle with the stereo, climate, and trip computer systems.

Seating is comfortable, and the wide upper doorsills are a terrific place to rest an arm or elbow for highway cruising. Adults riding in the rear seat are likely to complain about tight legroom; long highway trips should be taken only with smaller children. Power adjustable front seats (optional on 2.4i) and a steering column that tilts and telescopes help the driver to find a decent driving position, but we felt that the foot pedals were too close, forcing the driver to sit far back in the car, a good distance from the gauges and controls. Our test car was equipped with Volvo's new T-tec upholstery, special fabric that feels plush and upscale while simultaneously imparting a sense of durability. However, this material grips occupants' clothing, making it harder to shift weight during the ride.

Though not as comfortable as larger Volvos, the V50 carried us through the rural Quebec countryside for several hours, and we emerged without aches, pains, or muscle strains.