THE NEW NISSAN PRIMERA

1999/12/13

THE NEW NISSAN PRIMERAOVERVIEW

“The New Primera signals the beginning of a new direction for Nissan and is the first of 15 new models we will be launching over the next 30 months. To meet the demands of an increasingly competitive market we have given the New Primera a bolder, more purposeful look that is more distinctive and stylish. The lower stance of the New Primera reflects its rewarding driving dynamics and like all Nissan vehicles quality and the ownership experience is among the best in the class. Together with the inclusion of first-in-class technology and new safety and security features the New Primera can challenge the best in its class.”

Brian Carolin, Managing Director, Nissan Motor (GB) Limited

FEATURES OF THE NEW PRIMERA

·         Major exterior and interior redesign

·         Designed, developed and built in Europe

·         Choice of four engines and three transmissions offer wider customer choice

·         New 114PS 1.8-litre clean, responsive and fuel efficient petrol engine

·         New Hypertronic CVT transmissions – world first to be offered on 2.0-litre car – with six-speed manual shift mode

·         New safety systems include Mechanical Brake Assist, head and thorax side airbags, ISOFIX car seat fixings and Xenon headlamps

·         New automatic climate control and advanced integrated audio systems

·         Enhanced security with anti-hijack technology

·         45 per cent reduction in motorway cruising noise levels

The new Nissan Primera…2

 DEVELOPMENT

The New Primera builds on the established strengths of its predecessor, one of the best driver’s cars in its class.  Behind the extensively redesigned exterior are a host of new technologies designed to further enhance the driving experience.

Over 600 changes have been made to the New Primera.  Relatively little work was done on the chassis of the New Primera which is testament to the previous model which, even after three years, the vehicle is still regarded as having one of the best chassis in its class.

Most of the design, engineering and development work was carried out at the two UK Nissan Technology Centres - Europe in Cranfield and Sunderland, NTC - Europe in Brussels and for the first time, NTC - Europe in Barcelona.  British designer, Dave Godsell, led the design team, who developed the New Primera exclusively for the European market.  Significantly, the New Primera will not be marketed in Japan.

INNOVATIVE DESIGN

The extensive redesign creates a dramatic new style for Primera, while retaining a strong Nissan family identity. The new design complements Primera’s new technological features, enhanced refinement and further improved driver appeal.

The wide-ranging improvements give the New Primera a sporty and elegant new look.  A new sculpted bonnet and bolder grille area contribute to a more purposeful and distinctive appearance. New high-tech clear headlamps with both projector and gas-discharge lights, blend into the re-profiled front wings.  Lower sill extensions carry the new style along the side of the car to the integrated, well-proportioned tail-end and underline the Nissan Primera’s proven driving dynamics.

The new Nissan Primera…3

Inside, the themes of elegance and sportiness continue.  A more comfortable cabin ambience has been created with a new two-tone dash, redesigned front seats and seat fabrics, an all-new instrument cluster and redesigned fully integrated audio and climate controls.  Chrome has also been used to highlight features including the door handles, ventilation controls and the CVT gate, where specified.

A CHOICE OF ENGINES

The New Primera now offers a choice of four engines. For the first time a new 1.8-litre petrol engine will be available which significantly broadens the appeal of the Primera range.  One of the cleanest engines in its class, the new 114PS 16-valve 1.8-litre lightweight unit is economical, refined and responsive. Not only does it exceed European emissions level legislation due to come into effect in 2001, but even tougher environmental legislation not due until 2005.

The key to the new engine’s low emissions — low enough to qualify for environmental tax credits in Germany — and impressive fuel economy are a series of high-tech features including variable valve timing and direct ignition. The new engine is among the first petrol engines to feature swirl control valve technology. 

In addition to meeting tough emissions targets, the 1769cc engine offers excellent driving characteristics. It develops 97 per cent of its maximum torque (158Nm) at low engine speeds between 2400 – 4800rpm and benefits from Nissan Valve Timing Control System (NVCS) and Nissan Direct Ignition System (NDIS). Peak power of 114PS is produced at 5600rpm and achieves a maximum speed of 123mph.   In European mixed-use economy tests, the new Primera four-door returned over 38.7mpg.

The new 1.8-litre engine in the New Primera is the first to be fitted with an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system which will warn the driver if

The new Nissan Primera…4

emissions are exceeding strict standards soon to be introduced across Europe. The system detects any component or system deterioration that might affect the car’s low emission levels.

The previous 2.0-litre 130PS engine has been heavily revised in line with CEDIII on-board diagnostics requirements and now has a top speed of
131mph.  Power and torque have been boosted to 140PS and 181Nm respectively which has considerably enhanced mid-range performance.

The two remaining engines in the New Primera are carried over from the previous model.  The CD20T2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine was introduced in 1997.  An advanced and extremely low emissions engine features electronic throttle control and exhaust gas recirculation, the turbo-diesel produces 90PS at 4400rpm and 177Nm at just 2400rpm.  The other petrol engine – the GA16DE 16-litre 16 valve four-cylinder unit produces 100PS at 6000rpm and 136Nm peak torque at 4000rpm.

TRANSMISSIONS

The New Primera features one of the most advanced transmissions in the world.  It sees the introduction of the first Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) compatible with the power and torque of a 2.0-litre engine.

Called `Hypertronic CVT M6’, this new technologically advanced `stepless’ automatic transmission provides enhanced efficiency and smoothness compared with conventional automatic transmissions. For drivers requiring more involvement, “Hypertronic CVT M6 with a refined six-speed manual-shift mode and sequential operation offers a more involving and rewarding driving experience than traditional automatic transmissions.

Although the layout of the Hypertronic CVT maintains the familiar shift pattern of traditional automatics, P-R-N-D-L, in operation it is quite different.   Hypertronic CVT provides a totally smooth operation, with no

The new Nissan Primera…5

sensation of ‘shift-shock’. Furthermore, while conventional automatic transmissions often carry a heavy fuel consumption penalty compared with manual alternatives, Hypertronic CVT is more fuel efficient than conventional automatics.

Hypertronic CVT M-6 offers a second selector position to the left of the traditional gate, marked with a simple plus and minus symbol. The driver can manually select the six predetermined gear ratios by simply pulling or pushing the selector.                                                                                                     

Hypertronic CVT generates significantly less internal friction than

conventional automatic transmissions. Instead of a series of planetary gears, this CVT uses two variable diameter pulleys connected by a high-precision segmented steel belt. The system is optimised for the engine’s peak operating efficiency and is almost seamless.

To cope with the extra torque of a 2.0-litre engine, the new Hypertronic transmission uses a significantly broader high-strength steel drive belt and high-pressure hydraulic control of the pulley system.  Unlike the CVT used on the B-segment Micra, the drive of the Hypertronic CVT is regulated by a torque converter, rather than an electromagnetic clutch.

By adopting a torque converter, Hypertronic CVT develops a small amount of ‘creep’, a positive characteristic in automatic transmissions, and a convenient feature for smooth driving in dense traffic conditions. The new Hypertronic transmissions are the first CVTs in the world with ‘creep’, which is also useful for uphill starting and parking. In addition, unique to continuously variable transmissions, Hypertronic CVT also carries a very important functional benefit: during deceleration, the driver can obtain an engine braking effect.

The new Nissan Primera…6

THE NEW PRIMERA RANGE

The New Primera is available in six trim levels, from the entry grade E to the top-of-the-range SE +.  All models are available in a choice of three body styles – four-door saloon, five-door hatchback and five-door estate, except the entry-level 1.6-litre E, which is not available as a four-door.

The 1.8-litre engine is available with a choice of three grades – S, Sport and SE; the 2.0-litre petrol engine has the same grade structure as the 1.8-litre engine with the addition of the range-topping Sport + and SE +; the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is available on the S and SE models.

New interior trims are available including a full leather option on for SE+ models. Simple and modern in design, they compliment the new instrument panel and seat design. A new-design gearknob is also fitted.

The driver and passenger seats in the New Primera have been designed to further improve ride comfort and passenger location, improve rear knee-room and incorporate the new Nissan Head and Thorax Protection System side airbags. The stepless, rotary-controlled adjustment on the previous Primera is retained.

The new front seats now have a solid back board which improves comfort while maintaining a slim profile for the seat.  Consequently there is an extra 36mm knee-room in the New Primera. The seats have been restyled and the rear seat structure has been strengthened to comply with future stringent European luggage retention legislation. ISOFIX child seat fixings have also been built in to the rear seats.

EQUIPMENT

Special attention has been paid to the interior of the New Primera, which has many new features including a new climate control system and a new advanced integrated audio system.  

The new Nissan Primera…7

The climate control system has been designed to be a one-touch system; the driver selects the preferred temperature and the climate control system regulates the cabin at that temperature, taking into account changes in the outside temperature and the impact of sunshine on the cabin.  Climate control is fitted on all but the E grade.

A new personalised audio system, which has the ability to pre-set radio stations into the transponder in the key and has automatic speed-dependent volume control feature on the New Primera.  TIM or Traffic Information Memory allows traffic information broadcast before a journey has begun to be recorded and played back.

All New Primeras feature a sunglasses holder and a convenience hook, a small retractable hook built into the backs of both front seats.  The hook is designed to help support shopping or takeaway food bags placed in the footwells of the rear passenger compartments and stop them from falling over.

SAFETY

The previous Primera was rated among the safest cars in its class after testing by the European New Car Assesment Programme (NCAP) tests.  The New Primera has a series of new safety innovations designed to make it an even safer car.  These include:

·         Brake Assist – the New Primera is the first car to offer mechanical Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) as standard as part of the ABS package

·         Xenon headlamps – drivers can benefit from up to twice as much light than a conventional halogen-only system

·         Head and thorax side protection system – the spoon-shaped side airbag is mounted in the seat which means it is always correctly positioned for maximum protection for the chest and head

·         ISOFIX Child restraint system – ISOFIX is the latest industry standard in child restraint systems

The new Nissan Primera…8

SECURITY

Security has been further enhanced and new innovations have been introduced including:

·         Anti-hijacking system – one click of the keyfob will only open the driver’s door of the New Primera.  The other doors and boot remain locked against potential intruders.  A second click will open the other doors

·         Improved Superlocking – new shielding inside the door and modifications to the lock shielding have been made

·         Enhanced engine immobiliser – NATS V5 - on 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre petrol models

·         Audible warning if an attempt is made to open the boot when the engine is running

Like all Nissans, the New Primera is covered by Nissan Roadside Assistance, which includes three-year or 60,000-mile mechanical warranty, three-year paint warranty and six-year perforation corrosion protection.  Twelve months roadside assistance – operated in conjunction with the RAC – is also included.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nissan Product and Corporate Affairs on 01923 899930

Last updated – May 2000

26477/280700