Also on the positive side are the rotary controls for the HVAC system. They are large enough for clumsy hands and are intuitive to use when attention is focused on the road ahead, as it should be. And if it's not, you can take some comfort in knowing that the Monte Carlo has a 5-star rating (the highest rating possible) for driver and front passenger protection in U.S. government frontal crash tests.

The controls for the HVAC system are intuitive and large enough for clumsy hands to use when attention is focused on the road ahead. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Available safety equipment, depending on model, includes anti-lock disc brakes, driver and passenger frontal-impact airbags, a driver's side-impact air bag, a tire-inflation monitoring system and available OnStar in vehicle communication service.

The supercharged Monte Carlo SS presents a complete information center plus a full set of instruments, including a "boost" gauge that measures the amount of boost the supercharger is

The nicely grouped instrument cluster includes a "boost" gauge that measures the amount of boost the supercharger is providing to the engine. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

ramming down the throttle-body of the fuel injected motor. This compilation of information readouts is nicely grouped together beneath a large sweeping dash. All of the gauges are easily viewed without obstruction through the top half of the steering wheel - a steering wheel that in the SS format encompasses buttons enabling control of the audio and cruise control systems without removing a hand from the wheel. And as Martha would say, "that's a good thing." In Canada, the base Monte Carlo LS is nicely equipped for $27,900. Move up to the SS and the minimum outlay is $30,865. If you want the word "supercharged" to accompany the SS appliqué, prepare to shell out a minimum of $36,465. Various options and equipment groups including heated leather seats, glass sunroof and premium sound system can push the supercharged SS price tag up to a supercharged $42,595.