Versatile Primera

Nissan's new 2007 Primera brings a blend of practicality and versatility to the medium car market with the introduction of two hatch models to complement the station wagon.

The hatch in SX and SE versions, replaces the Primera sedan, while the wagon continues in a single SX model. The Primera range goes on sale with pricing starting from $38,995.

The most significant upgrade to the now British sourced Primera is the introduction of a reversing camera, which provides a visual identification of what is behind the vehicle when reverse gear is engaged.

It is the first time a medium sized volume selling car has been available with this technology on the New Zealand market. Until now, some vehicles have offered "park assist" beeps, while a reversing camera has only been standard in much more expensive vehicles, usually selling in the executive and luxury sector.

"Our Sunderland sourced Primera is a big step forward from the car we used to get from Japan," said John Manley, the Managing Director of Nissan New Zealand.

"It includes innovative new technology and driver focused features headed by the reversing camera." Among the improvements, all Primeras come with six airbags - front, side and curtain - and front seat active head restraints. All seats have three point seat belts.

The towing capacity is now 1200 kgs, an increase of 500 kgs.

Practicality and versatility are headlined by the 60:40 split folding rear seats in all models to extend the luggage capacity from 460 litres to as much as 1440 litres in the wagon when the seats are folded down. A centre console with just three main controls combines the operation of the sound system, climate control air conditioning and the in-car computer.

The cruise control and main audio functions are operated from steering wheel mounted buttons. With its eye catching, stylish, unique looks, the Primera is powered by a two litre motor with 103 kWs and 192 Nm of torque. It is mated to a CVT automatic transmission, which also has the option of a six speed manual mode.

With variable valve timing, the engine offers good throttle response and torque across a wide rev range.

Nissan's development of the CVT transmission also provides better fuel economy than conventional automatic transmissions, allowing the engine to operate at lower revs while cruising on light throttle openings.

The front wishbone and multi link rear suspension provides more European like handling and road holding than the out going Japanese sourced model. The spring and damper rates are firmer than the previous model and are complemented by the well weighted steering, together which provides the basis for a car which gives good feedback and responds positively on the open road.

All Primera models come with the CVT automatic transmission and its six speed manual mode, ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, the 15 cm colour monitor for the reversing camera. This monitor also provides a visual reference in the operation of the audio system, climate control, drive computer, clock and temperature functions.

There are body coloured bumpers and door handles and 16 inch alloy wheels with 205/60 tyres and a braked towing capacity of 1200 kgs. There are power door mirrors and the rain sensing variable intermittent wipers are a positive addition during New Zealand's summer "wet" season. The speed of the wipers automatically adjusts with the amount of moisture on the windscreen sensor.

The CD sound system has six speakers and steering wheel mounted controls. The telescopic and tilt adjustable steering wheel and gear lever are leather covered. The rear arm rest has two cup holders and there is a cargo area cover.

Other comfort items include climate control air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows with a key off function and central locking. Passive safety features include 6 air bags, front seat belt pre-tensioners with load limiters, three point rear seat belts, front seat active head restraints, side impact door beams and front and rear impact absorption zones.

The SE hatch adds 17 inch alloy wheels with 215/50 tyres, a six stack CD changer sound system, leather upholstery with electrically adjustable and heated front seats and an electric sunroof.

"The SX hatch and wagon models are very well equipped to compete in the medium car market," said Mr Manley. "And the SE hatch gives us the opportunity to offer a luxury specification car."

The Primera SX hatch costs $38,995, the SX wagon $40,195 and the SE hatch $42,495.