A "hot" product in Japan where it has outsold the Honda Odyssey, the new wide-body Nimbus offers far greater interior room - particularly in the third row of seats - than the superseded model.

The cabin interior is 380mm longer and 75mm wider, meaning more head, leg and shoulder room for every occupant.

Nimbus is now more than a match for Odyssey on size, performance and equipment, and is more than $6,000 cheaper in the case of the manual model. Other target competitors - the Toyota Tarago, Mazda MPV and Chrysler Voyager are even more expensive than Odyssey.

Nimbus will be the cheapest, and one of the best equipped, people-movers on the market. And many buyers - mainly white collar families in Sydney and Melbourne - prefer its car-like style to the "van" look of the others.

The new model is built on a 60mm longer wheelbase and is 75mm longer, 80mm wider and 70mm higher than the model it replaces. This translates to a much roomier interior with occupants able to "walk-thru" from the front to the middle row of seats on a flat floor.

Nimbus has seats for seven - two bucket seats in the front, a 50:50 split bench for three in the middle and the two removable buckets in the rear. There is a huge range of seating/sleeping/cargo configurations possible by folding up, reclining, sliding and/or removing seats.

Power is supplied by the 2.4 litre 16-valve four-cylinder engine from the previous model but it has been modified to improve driveability. Despite the increase in the vehicle’s size, fuel consumption remains better than the competition.

The new Nimbus handles and stops better thanks to a significantly wider track, bigger wheels and tyres and bigger brakes with ventilated discs replacing drums at the rear.

Transmission is 5-speed manual or, new to Nimbus, Mitsubishi’s INVECS II "Smart Logic" 4-speed auto.

A new perimeter frame body has 30% more bending rigidity and 50% more torsional rigidity than the previous ladder frame type, making Nimbus safer in a crash and quieter on the road. Standard driver’s airbag, a steering column which collapses away from the driver, the improved brakes, higher driving position and driver’s shock-absorbing kneeprotector also contribute to improved safety.

Nimbus comes very fully equipped in a single model with standard air conditioning, power-assisted steering, windows and mirrors, plush trim, remote keyless entry, engine immobiliser and driver’s seat height adjuster. There are numerous storage compartments in the dash, doors, seats and cargo floor, a full complement of cupholders and tie down hooks in the back.

The only option will be a passenger airbag, combined with ABS, for $1500.