I'd stop way short of calling this model all-new, but Nissan identifies the Quest's makeover as one of the largest mid-cycle investments in Nissan history. One certainly wouldn't come to that conclusion after glancing at the new van's outer appearance, but after about a half-second in the driver's seat it becomes obvious that this was money spent where it was needed.

Let's start with the instrument panel. It's now in the right place, behind the steering wheel and just below the driver's line of sight. It looks, well, normal. And the centre stack is a smooth, flowing component of the dashboard rather than the cylindrical wart that resembled a refuse receptacle. Less daring, to be sure, but in this case it's a welcome change.

DaimlerChrysler has set the standard for cargo versatility with their Stow n' Go system that allows all seats to fold flat into the floor. The Quest comes close, though. At least the seats don't need to be removed and left in the garage, as they do in most competitors' models. The Grand Caravan also sets the benchmark for power sliding doors: Push the button and the door slides open automatically. Grab the handle instead, and slide it open as if there were no motor connected to it. With the Quest, you're limited to the speed of the electric motor when opening the door.