7 February 2011
With major improvements in safety and convenience, senior Nissan New Zealand staff have plenty to smile about with the release of the 2.0 litre 2007 Primera.
How long the smile will last however is anyone's guess with the uncertainty of the vehicles long-term future. No longer produced in Japan due to declining demand, the only option left was to source the vehicle from Nissan's giant plant in Sunderland, UK where the vehicle is built mainly for the European market.
Sales of the Primera have been steadily declining in NZ since its peak in 1999 when it was the top selling medium size car with sales averaging 1425 per year. Despite a new model in 2002 and a face-lift in 2004, sales in the 2006 calendar year dropped to a total of 281. Compare that with the Mazda6, which competes in the same market segment with 2518 sales, the need to up-spec the Primera to compete becomes very obvious.
For 2007, a hatch in SX ($38,995) and SE ($42,495) versions, replaces the sedan while the wagon ($40,195) continues as a single SX model.
Safety features on all models include; six airbags (front, side and curtain), active head rests, rain-sensing wipers, Anti Locking Brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist.
A first and a major point of difference for a vehicle in this segment, is a reversing camera, which allows a wide rear view once reverse gear is selected from a centre-mounted coloured in-dash console. While reversing camera's have huge benefits, without sensors to sound a warning of obstacles in the vehicles pathway, many drivers through old habits, may be looking at what they have hit rather than looking first before moving. Sensors and camera together make a much better package in our view. We must point out that Nissan are not alone in fitting reverse cameras only to their vehicles.
The centre console with just three main controls also combines the operation of the sound system, climate control air conditioning and the in-car computer. A word of warning; have some lessons from the sales staff before you venture out for a test drive. Once mastered its reasonably straightforward but without the training it can prove very frustrating and spoil your first impressions of the vehicle.
The centrally mounted instrument panel appears to have been designed to cater for the left hand drive market so some eye adjustment is required to read the speedo and temperature gauge as they are placed to the far left of the cluster.
Comfort and convenience upgrades on all models include steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column and the fitment of a transmission oil cooler has allowed an increase in braked towing capacity to 1200kg. The SE hatch comes with leather upholstered seats (front are power operated and heated), electric tilt and sliding sunroof, 6 Disc in-dash CD and 17 inch alloy wheels. The SX comes standard with alloy 16-inch wheels.
Practicality and versatility are highlighted in all models by a 60:40split folding rear seats. The wagons luggage capacity can be extended from 460 litres to 1440 litres when the seats are folded down.
No complaints about the ride and handling of the '07 Primera. Retained from the previous model but reworked front double wishbone suspension with multi-link rear end combine to give both variants great road presence and was the highlight on our recent press drive in Central Otago.
A detuned version of the alloy 1998cc variable valve engine has been retained and mated to a new Constant Variable M6 Transmission (CVT) similar to what is fitted to the larger Nissan Maxima and Murano.
The M6 refers to the driver option of a six speed (or steps in CVT language) manual mode. Sadly at times the package does not seem to work that well, certainly not like the Maxima and Murano where the bigger, more powerful engine seems to compliment the CVT much better. The detuned engine sees the power / torque outputs drop from 110kW to 103kW and 200Nm to 192Nm respectively.
With both kilowatts and torque less than the previous model the 'get up and go' from a standing start is noticeably flat while at the other end of the scale and on hilly terrain, the engine reaches seemingly higher than normal revs trying to maintain good road speed. Once the vehicle is up to normal cruising speeds the driving experience is as good as anything else in its class. The engine complies with Euro 3 emission requirements.
Overall, a much-improved vehicle that will allow the Primera to compete in both price and specification levels with its competitors.
We do recommend an intensive road test is essential however to ensure the Transmission/Engine combination suits your needs.