The rubber from the P205/55R16 tires gripped the dry pavement impressively, further enhancing the S40's stability. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Countering the fact that the base S40 isn't endowed with abundant power, it handles exceptionally well. As mentioned, it is very stable at highway speeds and takes to corners like ducks do to water due to its front MacPherson spring-strut suspension, with lower-links and an anti-roll bar, plus its rear multi-link setup with coil springs and another anti-roll bar. The suspension, combined with a rigid body shell and linked to a traditional hydraulic, speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system, is yet again a winning combination. The car's comfortable chassis made the drive up to the lake very smooth, even on the bumpy parts of the highway and through construction areas. Also, the rubber from the P205/55R16 tires gripped the dry pavement impressively, further enhancing the S40's stability.

Of course, much of that feeling of comfort has to do with the car's unique interior. As far as first impressions go, it was a "Wow, this is so cool!" experience. I had to use the word "cool" because "space-age" just sounds so out of this world, not to mention out of date. The new floating centre stack does seem out of this world, mind you, because it's something the passengers in my car could not stop looking at, let alone fathom how it came to be, kin of like pictures of aliens or crop circles. Maybe I've taken this alien analogy too far, but bottom line, the floating centre stack is totally different than anything I've previously seen. It houses all the necessary devices, such as climate control, CD player and AM/FM presets. Everything is clearly labeled and very user-friendly. The single, in-dash CD player was linked to a performance sound system with 6 speakers and four 25-watt amplifiers. Unlike the floating centre stack that housed it, the audio system is decent but nothing to fawn over.

The Dynamic T-Tec upholstery that garnished the interior not only looks classy, but is quite comfortable. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

The Dynamic T-Tec upholstery that garnished the interior not only looks classy, but is quite comfortable. I found that the front bucket seats are a bit on the stiff side, but still comfortable at the same time. Due to a previous back injury, the sturdy seats were just what the doctor ordered while on my four-hour trek to the cabin. Often times, when I am traveling in a vehicle for a long distance, whether as the passenger or the driver, my back becomes stiff and sore. The S40's seats kept my back supported and relaxed, minimizing my discomfort and enabling me to drive the distance with little to no back ache. And I'm normally a sucker for leather-trimmed seats. I think what Volvo has done with the T-Tec material has won me over, mind you, and I'd take these over leather hands down.