Nissan Primera
The Nissan Primera was a large family car produced by the Japanese automaker Nissan. Introduced in the early 1990s, it replaced the Nissan Bluebird for the European and international markets. The Primera saw several generations during its production run and was known for its innovative features and focus on driver engagement for a family sedan. The Nissan Primera was withdrawn from the market in 2008 without a replacement.
Nissan Primera Overview
The first generation Primera was launched in 1990, offering a choice of four-door saloon, five-door hatchback, and estate variants. The second generation arrived for 1996. This generation introduced updated styling and new engine options. It continued with similar body style choices and was appreciated for its refined ride and handling balance. The third and final generation (2001-2007) featured a more modern design and improved interior quality. The P12 was more spacious and was positioned to compete with European executive saloons.
Over the years, the Primera came with a range of petrol and diesel engines, from four-cylinder units to more powerful options like the SR20DE, which was well-regarded for its performance. The Primera, especially in its later generations, was equipped with several innovative features for its class. The P12, for instance, introduced the “Nissan Multi-Functional Display”, an advanced infotainment system for the time.
The Primera was often praised for its driving dynamics, offering a good balance between comfort and engagement, especially considering it was a family car. Its build quality and reliability also received positive feedback. It faced competition from cars like the Ford Mondeo, Opel/Vauxhall Vectra, and Toyota Avensis in the European market.
The Primera ceased production in 2007, and Nissan didn’t introduce a direct successor in Europe. Instead, Nissan shifted its focus towards crossovers and SUVs, like the Nissan Qashqai, which became a huge success. While the Primera was primarily oriented towards the European market, it was also sold in other regions with different names. For instance, in North America, a version of the Primera was sold as the Infiniti G20, positioning it as an entry-level luxury sedan under Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti.
Nissan Primera Sales Figures
Nissan Primera Europe Sales Data & Charts
Europe Annual Sales
Year | Sales Units |
---|---|
1997 | 117,316 |
1998 | 112,536 |
1999 | 103,799 |
2000 | 92,991 |
2001 | 63,083 |
2002 | 77,405 |
2003 | 58,533 |
2004 | 46,537 |
2005 | 38,740 |
2006 | 21,606 |
2007 | 7,493 |
2008 | 739 |