Brad's Awards for Best Interiors 2007
Economy-Priced Car: Volkswagen Rabbit (Golf)
There is an all-around 'solid' nature to the interior of the car that I really do like, and I'd easily say it leads the class in comfort and style. I hear a lot of complaints about the back seat, but I don't see why. I think they're really comfortable, and even with the seat adjusted for me in the front, I've got plenty of room in the rear.
Popular-Priced Car: Saturn Aura
Its not a surprise that I like this one. Surprisingly good quality, a smart layout, and an overall attractive look make it a winner in my book. It easily trumps the Camry in the interior department, and it makes the American competition look bad as well... Well, not the Fusion, but the Sebring, yes.
Premium-Priced Car: BMW 3-series
Everything is laid out right where you would expect it to be, everything feels as it should in a $30K+ car, and overall, it doesn't drive you crazy with so many stupid buttons that you can't figure out what does what. There are knobs for the radio, a button for the A/C, etc. Nothing stupid, just keeping it simple.
Popular-Priced CUV: Saturn Outlook
I'm still singing the praises of this SUV/Crossover wherever I go, and the interior is always one of the main pieces of the puzzle. Quality is outstandingly good for a GM product, just like its Aura sibling, and like the 3-series, it has a very "common sense" attitude about the layout and how things are controlled. The best part about the interior is the space, and the fact that even with three rows, there is still room behind the third row for groceries or the dog.
Premium-Priced CUV: Cadillac SRX
Again, not much of a surprise, but the class is really split between too-odd or too many buttons to really have a clear winner. The Cadillac really splits the difference in those categories, and ends up being a good showing in a growing class.
Popular-Priced Truck: Chevy Silverado
Without a doubt the Chevy is a class-leader here. Toyota's Tundra interior just looks retarded, and the rest of the class isn't that good either... Although, the top-line F150 models do look nice...
Premium-Priced Truck: Mercedes-Benz GL
What can I say, I like the look. Sure, I love my Cadillac to death, but I decided to move it just a bit for the GL simply because it just looks good, feels good, and actually works well for a driver who may not have read the manual just yet.
Best Brand Expression: Jaguar XK
Jaguar, at least to me, has always been about blending the strong traditions of British luxury and elegance with a few hints of sport and touring ability. The XK comes off as a winner here, with a driver-focused interior that allows for plenty of visibility when driving quickly, and yet more than enough comfort to make a cross-country drive worth doing. Its perfect, and impresses me every time.
Best Interior Trim: Volvo C30
When I first experienced the car at the Chicago Auto Show back in February, I was shocked. I couldn't believe they put this many fancy pieces in such a small car, especially one with a "cheap" price-tag. I still love the waterfall console, and everything just felt good, if not, expensive. I wouldn't call it the best interior in a compact, but it comes close.
Best Cup Holder: I don't really care...
Best Overall Comfort: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Sitting in the front and in the back, it was like being at home in my Lazy-Boy. Its just right in every dimension, and even though I'm not all that geeked by the digital dashboard, it works well enough. It easily surpasses the LS, and even some higher-end luxury models I've been in. Its the right mix of sport and comfort in the front, and the perfect amount of luxury and comfort in the rear.
