Nissan unveiled the third generation of the Primera in 2001 at the Barcelona Motor Show shaped like a sedan, while the hatchback and the station wagon followed in the following year.
The Primera was already a known name on the market, but it didn’t shine in any area apart from being a very dependable vehicle. Its design was bland, and the interior features had nothing special. That was changed when the third generation, named P12, appeared on the market.

First of all, the front was narrow, the hood was steeper than most of the cars on the market, and the wide windshield was too raked for the European’s taste. Nissan built the Primera in three body shapes, but the visual differences between the hatchback and the sedan were minimal due to the sloped rear end. At least, the former featured a windscreen wiper, which was a plus on a rainy day.

Inside, Nissan broke the automotive design rules and planted the instrument cluster in the middle, closer to the windshield’s base. Its large dials for the speedometer and tachometer were flanked on the sides by the fuel level gauge and the coolant temperature. Even the rear-seat passengers could have read them. Depending on the option, Nissan installed a color screen for the infotainment unit on the center stack. It was not a touch-screen type. To access it, the carmaker placed several buttons and a joystick-like button. In the back, the 60/40 split-folding bench offered plenty of room for three passengers. It could expand the trunk size from 450 liters (15.9 cu-ft) to 1,812 liters (64 cu-ft).

Under the hood, Nissan installed a choice of four engines: three gasoline and one diesel powerplant ranged between 109 hp and 140 hp. The carmaker offered a four-speed automatic for the 1.8-liter engine and a CVT for the 2.0-liter unit.

The freshly restyled 1999 Primera received a new front end with a new grille and headlights as well as an overall equipment level raise coupled with an increase interior for more ride comfort.
Following Nissan’s typical route, the new car was stuffed with lots of electrics while entry-level trims gained standard climate control and much welcomed front and side driver/passenger airbags. Fuel consumption and engine performance were improved through the addition of a new 1.8 L petrol unit with 114 hp of output and the introduction of an electronic engine management system that led to an overall power output increase.

The introduction of the second generation Primera saw a beautifully styled vehicle with a lower nose and streamlined body that not only looked good but was also more aerodynamically efficient.
In addition, the body shell represented only the tip of the iceberg, with many additions and upgrades hiding beneath it. The previously introduced front multilink suspension was coupled with a rear one of the same kind while 2.0 Liter normally aspirated diesel units were fitted with turbochargers. The Primera line-up also saw the coming of new equipment levels, such as the Si and SRi.

The first generation of the Nissan Primera was about to change, but the Japanese carmaker tried to boost its sales with a facelift, two years before it switched to the second generation.
The Primera was designed especially for the European market. The car appeared in 1990 and, in the beginning, the clients were not very impressed, but soon the British customers and the Europeans found that it was a good, agile, reliable vehicle. In its five-door version, it fought well in the compact-segment against other hatchbacks.

In 1994, Nissan’s design department refreshed the car’s look with a new front fascia and broader headlights. The grille was split in two, separated by a horizontal slat wearing the Nissan’s badge. Depending on the trim option, the Primera featured body-colored door handles and mirrors, which was not so standard on other European vehicles in the compact-segment. In the back, the tailgate opened together with the rear window, and it was considered as a two-and-a-half bodywork.

Inside, Nissan was ready to embrace the biodesign era, which was about to begin. Its rounded instrument cluster was continued on the center stack, slightly tilted towards the driver. A big safety improvement was the standard driver airbag.

Under the hood, Nissan introduced a refreshed engine lineup that offered more power. The only engine that was provided the same figures as the non-facelifted version was the 2.0-GT. Nissan tried the diesel segment as well and offered a 2.0-liter unit, but it was already outdated in terms of performance.

Specifically aimed at the European market, the Primera was launched as a replacement for the moribund Bluebird.
The car was launched in 1990 with a choice of three gasoline units with capacities of 1.6 L, 1.8 L and 2.0 L although the second was never fitted on models sold on the Old continent. The 1.6 L was gasoline powered while the 2.0 L plant was available in a Diesel version as well. The latter also became the core of the GT, a more powerful version with a power output of 150 hp and 181 Nm of maximum torque. Stability was further enhanced by the coupling of front multilink suspension with Primera’s front-wheel drive system.