Nissan introduced the first generation of the Primera in 1990 for specific markets and replaced the aged, British-built Bluebird.
The Japanese carmaker was already renown on the European continent for its reliable products, and the Bluebird was just another confirmation. But, by the end of the ’80s, it was not that appealing anymore. Nissan was aware of that and already had a good replacement for it: the Primera.

While the Bluebird featured a wedged-shape bodywork, the Primera was completely on the other scale, with rounded shapes and shaved edges. It didn’t look that bold as its predecessor, but its domestic appearance helped Nissan sell the car in big numbers. At the front, its wide headlights sported corner-mounted turn-signals. A narrow grille with horizontal slats and a silver Nissan badge in the middle caught the customers’ attention. Its body-colored door mirrors made the car looks more premium than its competitors.

Inside, the car was very roomy for its segment. Its 2.7 m (106.5”) wheelbase provided enough interior space for up to five passengers. At the front, its comfortable, flat seats didn’t provide enough bolstering to firmly support their occupants during hard cornering. In the rear, apart from the taller center tunnel, the Primera’s bench offered adequate legroom and headroom.

Under the hood, Nissan installed a choice of six engines, both diesel, and gasoline. They were developed especially for the European market, with the tax-system in mind. For specific versions, it offered a four-speed automatic, while all engines were paired as standard to a five-speed manual.