The quality of the V50's materials is extremely high, a marked improvement over the outgoing V40. Whether finished in top-tier textured leather, Volvo's distinctively stylish man-made T-Tec upholstery, that along with its contrasting stitching and three unique colors appears as durable as any I've ever seen, or standard cloth, it's an upscale environment that will quickly endear itself to those not willing to settle for anything less than a premium experience.

The materials used in the V50's interior are a marked improvement over the outgoing V40. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

I especially like the upper door panel trim, a thick soft-touch "window sill" perfect for comfortably resting the forearm when in a casual driving mode. The lower panel bends inward, making room for a well-placed lower armrest cum door handle and the requisite power window and remote mirror switches. They're integrated into a high-tech aluminum trim piece, or if wood is more your thing an authentic feeling but environmentally friendly dark faux woodgrain.

The thin and stylish floating center stack is a stunning visual focal point of the cabin. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

This door trim matches my favorite V50 design element, a sensually stylish floating center stack that appears as if made by home audio mavens Bang & Olufson. It's thin like a plasma screen TV, with an integrated interface that appears like a high-grade remote control. Here the majority of ancillary functions can be actuated, with 1 through 9 presets for the radio and Euro-only cell phone at the top, a circular video game style navigation control at center, surrounded by various buttons for the trip computer and preference settings, and Volvo's highly intuitive pictograph actuated automatic climate control system at bottom. Four large circular dials surround the thin "remote," the top left for audio power and volume, top right for radio tuning and bass, mid, treble, side-to-side balance and front, rear speaker fade settings, while the two dials at the bottom, starting at the left, are for the climate system's fan speed or auto setting, and at right, temperature. I really like the way this is laid out, most of the buttons and dials are large enough to use with gloves (the Swedes understand cold weather issues as well as Canadians), and it's gorgeous to look at. I can see prospective customers falling for the V50 just because of the floating center stack.