The leather-covered steering wheel feels good. The dashboard is contemporary in appearance, with rounded shapes and a distinctive instrument pod that houses the speedometer, tachometer, water temperature and fuel gauges. At night, the instruments feature red needle on indigo gauges that minimize glare. A multifunction trip computer supplies outside temperature, time, speed, distance and fuel consumption data. Minor controls are located well, though the rearview mirror adjustment buttons are placed on the upper door panel and seem a bit awkward. Heating and air conditioning In European fashion, the top of the dashboard, the steering wheel and the upper inside door panels are formed of attractively grained dark plastic that contrasts well with the upholstery color. A cupholder/armrest replaces the typical center console; the plastic in this area does not offer a high-quality appearance. The throttle and brake pedals are not positioned well for heel-and-toe downshifting. The optional Monsoon Sound System ($295) is one of the best factory stereos I've heard, with crisp highs and snappy bass response; be sure to order it.

Rear seats are quite roomy with space to slide your feet under the front seats. This car carries four people in comfort. A fifth person should be comfortable for short drives. There's plenty of headroom in the front seat even for hat wearers, but rear passengers taller than six feet may find their heads rubbing the headliner -- the only downside to that elegant arched roof.

Dual front airbags, seatbelt tensioners that deploy instantly during a collision are standard. A second airbag located in each front seat offers added protection in a side impact. A short pull engages the parking brake and a warning chime lets the driver know to release it before taking off.

Trunk space is generous and the hinges do not intrude into the trunk. A split folding rear seatback increases cargo-carrying space considerably.