NEW FOR 2008:

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Nissan

- Standard front seat side-impact airbags
- Standard power left-hand sliding door, automatic headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear view monitor on 3.5 SL
- Standard Bluetooth hands-free telephone system and XM Satellite Radio on 3.5 SE
- Available rear sonar on 3.5 S
- Exterior colours: Ocean Wash and Pebble Beach added

Having received a makeover for 2007, the Nissan Quest moves into 2008 with new standard and optional features, including standard side airbags that give this minivan a total of six airbags.

Available in S, SL and SE trim, the Quest uses a 3.5-litre V6 with five-speed automatic transmission.

The S includes 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning with second-row controls, heated mirrors, cornering lights, mud guards, roof rails, privacy glass, trip computer, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, flip-out quarter windows, cruise control, tilt column, variable intermittent speed-sensing wipers, intermittent rear wiper, reading lamps, four 12-volt outlets, locking glove-box, front-row fold-down centre tray, eight-way manual driver's seat, heated cloth seats, anti-theft system, and CD stereo with auxiliary input jack.

The SL adds 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, power sliding doors and liftgate, power flip-out quarter windows, garage door opener, power-adjustable pedals, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, eight-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six-CD/MP3 stereo with steering wheel-mounted controls, dual media playback with wireless headphones, rear sonar system and rear-view camera.

The SE adds 17-inch alloy wheels, stability control, fog lights, reverse tilt-down mirrors, smoke taillights, body-colour sills, glass-panel roof with power sunroof, Bluetooth hands-free telephone system, front-row centre console, full-length overhead console with storage bins, leather seating surfaces, four-way power passenger seat, driver's side memory, premium stereo system, XM Satellite Radio and rear-seat DVD system.

A smooth-riding and overall comfortable van, with sliding doors that Nissan says are the widest-opening among the competition, the Quest comes with a considerable number of standard features. For all its size, though, the Quest's protruding centre stack makes the driver's cockpit feel cramped, and it can be difficult to squeeze a hand between it and the column to reach the key. The premium fuel recommendation, unusual for the segment, will also add to operating costs.