| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| Primera is spacious, comfortable, refined, good value and technologically advanced. It has good engines, sound build quality and a well thought out design. But it lacks image and depreciates quickly. |
| Handling |
|
| Comfort |
 |
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
|
| Running Costs |
|
| Value for Money |
|
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
|
| NCAP |
| 4 |
| Best Models |
| 2.0 SVE is fully loaded with equipment |
| Worst Models |
| 1.8S |
| Replacement |
| 2009 |
|
| Road Test |
| Primera is a sophisticated car with a comprehensive level of electronic equipment. It may be full of gadgets but that's not a major reason for choosing it; Primera is simply a supremely comfortable car. It's quiet and smooth at motorway cruising speeds, with the suspension soaking up uneven surfaces easily around town. It handles neatly, with good grip. The 1.8 and 2.0 petrol engines and the 2.2 turbodiesel are all refined and economical. The styling is controversial but certainly distinctive. And the cockpit layout is just as radical, with all the controls, buttons and dials grouped in the middle. The result is impressive, stylish and very usable. Occupants have a decent amount of room both front and rear, although access to the boot is a little awkward. Primera is very well put together, promising above-average reliability. That doesn't help resale values, though, and new Primera buyers can lose a lot money. |
| Positive Points |
- Top value used car choice for families
- Spacious, safe, reliable and well built
- Even the cheapest S versions are well equipped
|
| Negative Points |
- Styling lacks lightness of touch
- Ride could be more refined around town
- Typically heavy fleet sector depreciation from new
|
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