Prime mover from Nissan

Jan 26 2009 Peter Hayward

POOR sales led to Nissan withdrawing the last Primera from sale in the UK but there are still plenty around second hand and few cars are better made or longer lasting than a Nissan.

I wasn't struck by the last Primera's looks at first and it took a while to grow on me.

Now, I think the body has character and a symmetry of form that makes it stand out.

It's sophisticated on the inside as well as the outside. The six speed gearchange is lovely, the clutch as light as a feather and the power steering has a fair amount of feel.

Engines were a 1.8 114bhp and 2.0-litre 140bhp petrol and a 2.2 diesel with 124 or 136bhp.

The ride is good at speed, without being exceptional, but suffers in town, where the car seems to feel every ripple in the surface.

The handling is safe but does not somehow instil confidence, even though the road holding is pretty good.

Interior

The steering column is adjustable for height and reach and the seats give good support through the corners.

Equipment is very good in all models and cabins are well-built. Controls for climate and stereo are all in one unit but it does take a lot of getting used to, even though it incorporates an excellent reversing camera.

FAST FACTS

Nissan Primera 1.8 petrol 5dr

Price : Pay about £2,700 for an '02 02-reg S, £4,000 for an '04 04-reg SE or £5,700 for an '05 05-reg SVE

Mechanical : 114bhp, 1,769cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 117mph

0-62mph : 11.7 secs

Combined mpg : 35

Insurance group : 8

Marks : 8/10

Main rival : Ford Mondeo