Interior
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The architectural design of the four-door Stratus carves out generous space for riders by extending the windshield forward to the firewall, increasing the length and width of the cabin, and abbreviating space for the engine.
Up front is a pair of high-back bucket seats clad in cloth fabric or optional leather. The rear bench seats three, with folding seatbacks split 60/40 for access to the trunk.
A dashboard collection of round analog instruments, tucked beneath an arched cowl and rimmed with black bezels, employs bold black-on-white graphics. Although the dashboard is flat and linear, there's a wrap-around feel to the cockpit.
From the driver's seat you can easily reach window and lock switches mounted on the door, or the center console housing the transmission shift lever and a padded armrest.
Above the console, stacked controls for audio and climate systems include large rotary dials in a simple scheme.
Due to the broad and tall expanses of window glass and relatively narrow windshield pillars, Stratus provides excellent outward visibility for the driver, which becomes a factor for safety.
Safety features begin with the rigid structure that encases the passenger compartment. Active devices include four-wheel disc brakes with optional ABS; passive measures include three-point seatbelts for all five seat positions and dual-stage frontal airbags. Also, the headliner has been engineered to accommodate curtain-style side airbags that are available as an option ($390).
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