was already a well-designed and roomy cabin. Former hard corners have been

rounded off, giving dashboard, center console and door panels a more attractive

look. Soft-faced switches are placed for easier use. For example, window

switches are now on the driver's door armrest rather than the center console,

and the seats have new frames and padding.

Other important changes are invisible. The B or central roof pillar

has been reinforced to provide extra crush resistance in side impacts;

driver and front-seat passenger are further protected by standard side-impact

airbags. A new steering column design reduces wheel intrusion into the

cabin in frontal impacts.

Those items add mental comfort for occupants who are already well taken

care of in physical comfort terms. The new seats are excellent, most comfortable

in their standard velour upholstery. Little is left to be added in the

70 Series, though the automatic air conditioning (GLT and T5 models) and

optional heated front seats will be appreciated in certain climates. Wood

trim accents are optional.

Though more stylish, the interior has lost none of its functionality.

The driving position is, as always, good, made better for all drivers by

tilt/telescope steering wheel adjustments. Gauges for car and engine speed,

fuel level and coolant temperature have large, clear markings, and can

be supplemented with an optional trip computer. Stretch-out room for all

five occupants is more than ample, and the sedan's large 15 cubic-foot

trunk can be doubled in size by folding the rear seat back. The versatile

wagon, of course, can swallow considerably more.