Despite functioning on a business level in partnership with France's Renault, Nissan continues to build cars its own way-a way which is today a million miles removed from the Nissan of the old, the one that used to built ?tarts' handbags on wheels' with too much chrome and imitation leather. In common with other automotive manufacturers it has gone in search of a new style imprint, with such diverse machines as the Primera, Maxima, Quest, Murano and 350Z models proof of this new visual direction. In some cases the cars are exciting to drive as their looks promise, but in other cases (such as the Micra) the dynamics fail to match expectations, with the result they end up being considered slightly risible by some observers. In common with other Japanese manufacturers not all cars are sold in all markets; we are unlikely to see the massive and the intimidatory Armada in Britain, for instance.

350Z

Offered in both coupe and roadster forms, Nissan's stunning new sports car is a proof that the company has rediscovered its heritage; its lineage can be traced right back to the wonderful 240Z of the 1969. Things have, of course, moved on. The 350Z with its sophisticated V6 proving capable very rapid acceleration thanks to its power output of almost 300PS. Fortunately for purists the power is delivered through the rear wheels; the best is gained from the package when the six speed manual gearbox is in palce, but even when the automatic 5 speed is used the car is still satisfyingly quick. What more can a red-blooded driver ask for?

ARMADA

Looking like a bit part player from one of the Mad Max movies, Armada is curious beast; buyers get a choice of two- or four-wheel drive which hints off-road capability , but the tall, muscularly styled machine is almost a low-rider, with ground clearance little different from sedan. Yet despite its lack of ground clearance the Armada doesn't handle like a car-instead it pitches and rolls a little too much for comfort

QUEST

The brand's only large multi purpose vehicle (MPV), Quest is up against the Chrysler Voyager and the like. Which means it is up against sharp competition. Built at Nissan's new plant in Missouri, Quest shows in its flowing curves the new DNA that the brand is trying to establish-sufficient to give it an immediate distinctive quality alongside its competitors. Nissan claim a host of bests or firsts with this MPV, not least the widest opening doors in segment, a record number of airbags, and an interior design theme that it is strikingly modern.

ALMERA

Nissan's mid-range contender is a reasonably anonymous-looking machine which provides good accommodation and a range of efficient engines. A variety of body styles is offered, the most popular being the versatile five door hatch, which when allied with the 2.2 diesel engine gives crisp performance and surprisingly nimble handling. The economical 1.5 entry-level package is popular choice too, and this also handles with a clean-ness that shows how much Nissan engineers have studied the requirements of European drivers.