The rest of the system is first rate, however, with a single 7-inch drop-down display, remote control, rear audio controls and two pairs of wireless headphones. The system is optional on the base S and SL models, while top-tier SE models get those double screen displays I spoke of earlier. Nissan wraps its entertainment system into a bundled package for SL and SE models, adding the DVD-based navigation system in with an electronic compass - go figure, the two go hand in hand don't they? SL models also get a 6-disc CD player that already comes standard in the SE.
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| The entertainment system, which includes a 7-inch drop-down display (or two drop-down displays in SE models), remote control, rear audio controls and two pairs of wireless headphones is optional. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
CDs and DVDs will sound all the better on Nissan's top-line audio system. While the standard 8-speaker 150-watt AM/FM/CD system is hardly lacking, Nissan sees fit to offer a 10 Bose speaker upgrade with 265-watts of overwhelming power and an AM/FM interface and that 6CD in-dash stacker that comes as part of the DVD entertainment package in the SL. The premium stereo is available on its own on SL models, and comes as standard equipment in SEs.
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| The Quest's 3.5-L V6 is sensational, and is more or less a detuned version of Nissan's most-powerful-in-class 350Z engine. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Complimenting the sound of the audio system is the sound of the engine. The fact that it's more or less a detuned version of Nissan's most-powerful-in-class 350Z, might have something to do with its enthralling performance. Its 240-hp is identical to that in the midsize Altima sedan, but torque is down by a nominal 3 lb-ft, resulting in a solid 242. All the same the Quest's 3.5-L V6 is sensational, with virtually no torque steer, the bane of the brand's front drive V6 sedans.
Power delivery is smooth and unrelenting, matching the shift points of the 5-speed automatic perfectly. There's nothing wrong with the 4-speed automatic either, as the engine's ample torque doesn't make the extra gear as necessary as it would if less powerful. I was disappointed, though, that Nissan didn't equip even the top SE model with its excellent manual mode shifter. While no competitor offers this feature either, none drives as sports car-like as the Quest making the absence of a do-it-yourself transmission glaring. The fact that Nissan places the shift lever atop the circular center stack, right next to the right hand when placed at the 3 o'clock position of the steering wheel, further worsens the lack of any driver input.