Nissan Primera

The revised Primera may look identical to its predecessor on the outside, but improvements to the interior and chassis mean the cabin is a much better place in which to spend time. Dynamically, the Nissan is still second best to Vauxhall Vectra's and Ford's Mondeo, but these changes, plus the addition of a new trim and extra colours, boost the car's appeal.

Its road manners are nearly a match for established rivals such as the Renault Laguna and Vauxhall Vectra, and there's no ignoring the fact the Primera is stylish, capable and well equipped. For drivers weighing up all the options before parting with their money, that makes the car all the more attractive.

So, to boost its appeal, Nissan has made some mid-life changes, based on issues raised by owners. Auto Express was first behind the wheel.

Despite early controversy about the design, it's immediately clear that there were few complaints about the Primera's contemporary looks - surprisingly for a facelifted vehicle, the exterior is virtually identical to the car it replaces.

Inside, it's a different story. The cabin has received a range of welcome improvements. For starters, the door panels have been redesigned, and long-distance drivers will be pleased to hear the armrests are now more usable.

Also, brittle plastic sections have been replaced with soft-touch material, while the stylish brushed aluminium-effect door handles look as if they belong on a sporty coup�. Other changes include a backlit instrument panel, similar to that of the Lexus IS200, which is easier to read and better suited to the futuristic centre console and display.

There's more stowage space, while the sliding central armrest offers extra comfort. It's just a pity the unit is made from the old-style flimsy, cheap plastic.

Thankfully, the same can't be said of the new steering wheel. It houses buttons for the stereo, cruise control and telephone, which is now linked to the N-FORM communications system so users can view their phonebook on the updated dash-mounted TV screen.

Nissan has swapped the black-and-white parking camera for a colour version, and it's now standard on all but the base S. The sat-nav on SE and SVE cars, plus this T-Spec, is improved, too, warning of jams and poor driving conditions.

Criticism of the ride and high-speed agility has also been answered. New dampers and suspension bushes make the Primera more composed on poor surfaces. But while the ride is better than before, it's not on a par with the class's best. The set-up has improved the handling, too, yet the steering is still vague. A new trim level, SX, has been introduced, and there are two fresh colours to choose from. And although the slow-selling saloon has been axed in the UK, the estate and hatch remain, and the engine line-up is unaltered.

Yet despite the changes, Nissan does not expect to sell any more Primeras than it did last year - perhaps because, while the revised car is an improvement, it's still no match for the class champs.