Volvo Canada hasn't decided yet, but it may offer another option for this customizable interior, a clear dark gray plastic dubbed IcedAqua. It exposes the inner electronics, an iMac approach that could prove quite popular. British expatriate Guy Burgoyne, the car's chief interior designer mentioned the

Volvo makes the center console of the V50 customizable, with changeable covers in authentic aluminum, wood or clear dark plastic dubbed IcedAqua shown here. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

company was looking at alternatives to the dark plastic, such as multiple colors and possibly back lighting, what could be an even more individual approach to interior customization. I like where Volvo is going with this, a removable faceplate philosophy proven quite popular among laptop, PDA and cell phone buyers in recent years. Customization, exterior and exterior design and quality aren't the only attributes that set the V50 apart as a premium product, it's also a talented drivers' car. Volvo has found an excellent compromise between a compliant ride, important for its family car

Volvo has found an excellent compromise between a compliant ride, and a sporting demeanor. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

values, and a sporting demeanor. The V50, even in base 2.4i trim, delivers impressive road manners when pushed hard, carving up the spectacular Spanish mountains without breaking a sweat. In this guise the 168-hp inline 5-cylinder engine is more than competent, especially when mated to the standard 5-speed manual transmission, having 166 lb-ft of torque at its disposal to move a mere 1,425 kilos (3,142 pounds) of curb weight, plus passengers and baggage. As an alternative, an optional 5-speed automatic with Geartronic manual-mode sequential shifting is available for those who spend more time in traffic than on the open road.