Another item that Magnum shoppers across the board will enjoy is the trick rear liftgate, which cuts into the roof about a foot

The Magnum's trick rear liftgate cuts into the roof about a foot or so, so that when it opens the rear edge never reaches out beyond the vertical plane of the bumper. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

or so, so that when it opens the rear edge never reaches out beyond the vertical plane of the bumper. Very clever because it means you can stand in tight quarters within parking lots and not worry about it smacking you in the crotch - funny for others, maybe, but not for you. Of course, of you lean in, in wonder, you might still take it on the chin, so don't get too curious.

The interior accommodations are generous, and as I mentioned before, it is all about basic needs. Granted, those basics are presented with just enough edginess to avoid being too boring or too cheap. The CD and radio buttons are large and easy to read and the HVAC controls have the classic three-knob layout. The shifter has a satin-finish appliqué on the lever, while the base is trimmed

The steering wheel is big and grippy with its own metallic appliqués, and the gauges are large and easy to read. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

in chrome to liven things up. Two solid cup holders and a deep, roomy bin under the armrest provide the necessary storage options.

The steering wheel is big and grippy with its own metallic appliqués, and the gauges are large and easy to read, backed in white (they glow bluish-green at night) with black letters for a simple but stylish appearance. The plastics quality was no great shakes and there was the odd misaligned bit of plastic, but nothing that would affect convenience or cause much annoyance.

It doesn't really hold a candle to something like Audi's A4 Avant in terms of interior design, fit and finish, but it easily holds its own from an exterior styling point of view, and it appeals to such a broadly disparate crowd that it seems silly for me to bring up the Audi.