fitted with multi-color leather seats (blue with white inserts); a complimentary luggage set included Nautica-designed duffel bags. For the 1996, multiple two-tone color schemes joined the blue/white exterior. Second generation (1999–2002) For the 1999 model year, Mercury introduced the second-generation Villager. Again a counterpart of the Nissan Quest, the 1999 Villager shared no sheetmetal with its predecessor. As with the larger Ford Windstar, a central change of the redesign included the addition of a second sliding door. Chassis specification Carried over from the previous generation, the Ford VX54 platform underpinned the second-generation Mercury Villager and Nissan Quest, sharing its 112.2-inch wheelbase. Retuned for a softer ride, the second-generation Villager retained its suspension configuration from the previous generation, including front MacPherson struts and a rear beam axle. The front brakes were vented discs with rear drum brakes; ABS was offered as an option. Powertrain The second-generation Villager received a new V6 engine, again supplied by Nissan. For 1999, the 3.3L VG33E V6 replaced the previous 3.0L V6; producing 170 hp, the engine was shared with Nissan light trucks and SUVs in the United States. A Jatco-supplied 4-speed automatic was the sole transmission paired with the engine. Body design While sharing its wheelbase with its predecessor, the second-generation Villager was five inches longer than its predecessor; slightly larger than the Toyota Sienna, the Villager was approximately six inches shorter than the extended-length GM and Chrysler minivans (and the Ford Windstar). In contrast to its competitors (except the Chrysler Town & Country), the second-generation Villager/Quest was sold solely with two sliding doors, abandoning the previous single side-door configuration. While again sharing most body stampings, the exterior of the second-generation Quest and Villager were designed separately, with Ford designer Moray Callum responsible for the exterior of the Villager. In place of the chrome-ringed horizontal grille, the Villager adopted a waterfall-style grille (with a much larger Mercury emblem); the rear fascia was given a red trim panel between the taillamps (with amber turn signals). Several design features from the first generation made a return, including the design of the exterior door handles and the two-way rear liftgate. Carrying over the reconfigurable 3rd-row seat design from the previous generation, the cargo area was revised with the addition of a removable parcel shelf. For 2000, a 3-person 2nd-row seat was introduced (increasing capacity to 8) as an option. As a $1,295 option, a rear-seat entertainment system was