Its 2.7L V6 churns out 190-horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a four-speed automatic transmission. Slam that in a

Its 2.7L V6 churns out 190-horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a four-speed automatic transmission. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

Neon or a PT Cruiser and you've got something to really play with, but when you pack almost two tonnes (okay, it's not really that close to two metric tonnes, but it's still heavy) of metal onto the back of it you've got a camel with one large, unwieldy hump.

Don't get me wrong, you can get this beast moving. It will steadily climb to freeway speeds and beyond, and it even has a bit of jump off the line, but there is little feeling of control or power available at a dip of the foot, so you have to be willing to accept whatever traffic situation you might get ensnared in, and learn to like it.

The

The CD and radio buttons are large and easy to read and the HVAC controls have the classic three-knob layout. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

Magnum SE's mission is easygoing comfort for you and your 2,000 litres of cargo, and on that it delivers in spades. The long wheelbase and comfort-tuned suspension allowed it to traverse jittery, potholed Toronto streets with ease and grace, and at typical city-going speeds, its steering is easy and maneuverable, at the expense of feeling 'dialed in' for any quick side-to-side transitions.

Back to that 2,000 litres of cargo space, if I was a contractor, instead of getting that Safari van or E-150, I would probably get the basic Magnum, plaster my logo all over the side, drop the back seats, pack all my tools and equipment inside and go cruising around town from job to job with one of the coolest mobile billboards money can buy. It's got that great expanse of sheet metal between the wheel wells and under the slim windows for a honking big graphic to advertise your business. Now if only I were a contractor.

When you really start to push the car to its limits, it pitches and heaves (the high-profile tires don't help, that's for sure), then slingshots you out of corners like a shuttle from Armageddon resulting in a disconcerting but adventurous feeling. Of course, in the Magnum you're always backed up by standard ABS brakes and Electronic Stability Program for that sense of flying with a safety net.