KEY POINTS:
Nissan New Zealand's advertising campaign for the updated Primera makes much of the fact that it's now sourced from Britain, rather than Japan. But in many ways, the Kiwi company is simply making the best of a less-than-ideal situation.
Primera, launched back in 2002, seems to be winding down rather than surging ahead - the Nissan's British plant is now the sole producer of the vehicle, for a number of European markets. And New Zealand of course.
Ironically, the car that comes out the factory gates in Sunderland isn't even sold in the country where it's produced. Nissan UK dropped Primera last year in response to a shrinking medium-car market and growing demand for crossover-type vehicles.
Against this rather grim backdrop comes "our" new Primera, which is really rather good.
The British version is better looking, better equipped and much better to drive than the previous Japanese version.
The basics are the same - same styling cues and same 2.0-litre four with continuously variable transmission (CVT), although the engine produces 7kW/8Nm less than before. Why? No one seems sure.
The biggest change is the switch from a sedan to five-door hatchback boy shape (the wagon continues).
It's a welcome move. The hatch has more balanced styling, intriguing nipple-like rear lamps, better load versatility with a 60/40 split rear seat and a truly vast 460-litre boot.
The switch to British sourcing also means the end of the dreaded lap-only centre-rear seatbelt of the previous Primera - this one has proper three-pointers all-round.
Comfort and refinement are still Primera's fortes. The ride is better controlled than the old car, wind noise is well suppressed and the "gearless" CVT's ability to drop the engine speed well below 2000rpm at a 100km/h makes for mighty relaxed motoring.
The CVT is less adept at spirited driving; if you're clumsy or over-keen with the throttle all you'll get is a lot of noise.
Better to finesse the go-pedal and let the variable gearing work the engine lower down in the rev range.
But there's definitely a knack to it - and definite potential for the CVT to scare away potential buyers who are not used to the technology.
The European Primera has gained a six-step manual-shift mode, which adds some driver involvement back into the equation. But even when operating in stepped configuration, the slip of the transmission never lets you forget this is a CVT.
However, there's nothing wrong with the Primera's chassis. European buyers traditionally place a lot of emphasis on sporty handling and the new Primera is a pretty sharp tool through the corners: surefooted and with a safe, gradual attitude towards understeer as speed increases.
Our entry-level SX test car dips under $40k but comes with six airbags, climate air conditioning, cruise control and a large colour screen with reversing camera (but strangely, no parking radar to go with it).
The cabin design is still flamboyant to say the least, with a sweeping wave-like dashboard and centrally mounted instruments. The most controversial aspect of the interior is the arrangement of the major switchgear on a plateau in the centre console.
Known as N-Form by Nissan, there's a idiosyncratic system of buttons and a joystick, plus a three-tier level of operation for the six radio tuning buttons. Depending on which display you've selected, the same buttons are used to tune the radio, operate the CD player or control the ventilation.
It's not as confusing as it sounds, but it's not especially tidy either.
Primera has evolved into a pretty impressive car. But in the twilight of its life cycle, you have to wonder how many people are interested. Or how much longer it will continue.
Nissan Primera: The facts
We like: Refinement, space, much-improved chassis.
We don't like: Fussy gearbox, confusing cabin controls.
Basic price: $38,995.
Options fitted: None.
Price as tested: $38,995.
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km.
Powertrain and performance
Engine: 1998cc inline four.
Power: 103KW at 6000rpm.
Torque: 192Nm at 4000rpm.
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) with 6-step mode, front-drive.
0-100km/h: 11.0 seconds.
Safety
Active driver aids: Anti-lock braking with force distribution and brake assist.
Passive restraints: Front, side and curtain airbags, five lap-sash seatbelts.
EuroNCAP occupant crash test rating: 4-star/78 per cent.
Vital statistics
Wheels and tyres: 16-inch alloy, 205/60 tyres.
Length: 4567mm.
Height: 1482mm.
Width: 1760mm.
Wheelbase: 2680mm.
Boot volume: 460/1100 litres (seats up/folded).
Fuel tank: 60 litres.
The Rivals: Challengers to the Nissan Primera
1. Dodge Caliber SXT
Price: $34,990.
Powertrain: 115kW/190Nm 2.0-litre petrol four, continuously variable transmission with 6-step mode, front-drive.
Another mid-sizer with comedy styling and a CVT powertrain. Dares to be different, but rough around the edges compared with the Primera.
2. Mazda6 Sporthatch
Price: $44,575.
Powertrain: 122kW/207Nm 2.3-litre petrol four, 5-speed automatic, front-drive.
An amazingly complete family-sized liftback - great looking and great to drive. But you pay a big price premium over the Nissan.
3. Skoda Octavia
Price: $41,490.
Powertrain: 110kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol four, 6-speed automatic, front-drive.
The sleeper of this lineup. The classy Octavia is roomy, well-made and beautifully engineered thanks to Volkswagen Golf underpinnings.
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