'TIS THE SEASON for facelifts in the car calendar, but 2004 promises to be a rather quiet year for radical innovation from the world's motor manufacturers. With a series of interesting models released in 2002-3 (Toyota Prius, Nissan March and BMW 6-series, to name a few) and the promise of more to come (no fewer than 25 new concept cars were unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October), car makers seem content to give existing products a superficial makeover this time around. It's refreshing to see that Nissan has taken a little more out of research and development funds to make something a little more breezy out of the 2004 facelift of its staple luxury saloon, the Cefiro (Spanish for a zephyr wind). Pitted against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-class, Audi A6, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Cefiro has seen moderate sales Hong Kong but never quite enjoyed the successes of European marques. To counter this, Nissan has not only invested in a technical redevelopment of the Cefiro (backed, you may have noticed, by an aggressive marketing campaign) but it has been equally adventurous with the redesign. Having got the cute-yet-streetwise look of the March just right, Nissan's stylists (no doubt dizzied by their success) seem to have produced the ultimate curio with the Cefiro. Oddly irksome from some angles, the 2004 facelift could have benefited from a few more nips and tucks from the designer's scalpel. It's still obviously a luxury sedan (they're meant to look large, purposeful and graceful), yet the Cefiro doesn't quite pull it off and seems a little ungainly - on the outside at least. With an odd mix of curves and edges - a guppy-like front end, slab-sided flanks and splayed rear quarters accommodating the enormously practical boot - you can see that this big car is styled towards the European ideal, more akin to the Peugot 607, for instance, than the Camry. However, its distinctive looks and heavy-set proportions do manage to create a commanding presence on the road. The 2004 model has also been totally redesigned inside, and it looks all the better for it. With the emphasis placed firmly on luxury, the 2004 Cefiro is spacious enough for five adults to sit without touching, and there is a wealth of quality interior fittings as well as a range of hospitality features to make the drive all the more comfortable. A one-touch 'intelligent' key entry system (fitted as standard) gets you into the car, and into a tasteful cabin that's inspired, according to Nissan, by a modern luxury living room. I didn't see a flat-screen TV there, but the interior does boast attractive wood panelling on the dash, doors and gearbox housing, as well as very comfortable, adjustable, leather-upholstered seats. It's also bright and airy. Both front seats are power-assisted and have eight individual settings, and there are front and rear temperature controls. The colour scheme works well and the finish has a quality feel, with chrome highlights adding to the sense that at least some of the development money has been well spent. Ergonomically, the driving position is well set, with good all-round vision and easy access to the controls (electric everything, from the windows to the rear windscreen wash), all of which can be operated easily from the driving seat. On the road, the Cefiro is equally civilised. Nissan's newly developed 2.3-litre V6 retains a stately hush whether at parking speeds or hitting the speed limits, while the 173bhp engine gave no audible signs of labouring either when pulling this 1,500kg automobile uphill around The Peak or stop-starting through traffic in Shau Kei Wan. Road noise was well dampened from inside the cabin, thanks to the up-rated multi-link suspension. Indeed, the general air of refinement inside the Cefiro is rather impressive - and all the more so considering the relatively modest $229,000 price tag. In terms of passenger comfort, the ride may have been above par, but for the driver there was at times an uneasy sense of detachment from the road. In fact, with the engine note so muffled and the independent suspension softening all the bumps and hard edges (notably, there's more body roll than with smaller cars), it was difficult to get very excited about driving this car. There's a lot of power on tap, but its potency is never fully unleashed to the 16-inch alloys. Perhaps this is a plus point, since Nissan engines just seem to get better in terms of smoothness, while reliability is rarely an issue with the company's upmarket products. The good news is that handling is very good for this class of car, and with exceptionally light (yet accurate) power-assisted steering, there's no trouble pulling this car around the tightest corners. Again, you feel rather coddled, but if you are looking for an easy car to drive you won't be disappointed. It's clear that Nissan has put some care into the Cefiro's 2004 facelift, and if you like the quirky styling you will undoubtedly be buying a lot of car for your money. What's more, the Cefiro could well be a Camry-beater and a sensible second-hand buy even after the warranties run out, because Nissan's build quality and smooth and reliable engine should keep it on the road for years to come. Handling is very good, and with exceptionally light steering, there's no trouble pulling this car around the tightest corners THE NEW NISSAN BY NUMBERS TESTED: Nissan Cefiro WHAT IS IT? Luxury saloon WHAT MOVES IT? 24-valve, 2.3-litre, V6, DOHC engine HOW FAST IS IT? 0-100 km/h undisclosed. Expect a top speed of around 240km/h HOW THIRSTY? Undisclosed SAFETY FEATURES: Front dual and side airbags, head restraints, anti-locking braking system, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution system, three-point seatbelts, and an anti-theft immobiliser ALTERNATIVES: Toyota Camry, Mercedes Benz E-class, Honda Accord