Last ‘traditional’ D-segmenter full of high tech
The Ariya now occupies the same position in Nissan’s model range as exactly two decades ago, the then new, third generation of the Primera. A very striking model at the time, with an even more striking interior. And a joystick!
The first Primera made a big impression on its debut in 1990 because of its slick and strikingly European appearance and excellent driving qualities. The second Primera continued on the same path a little too safely in 1996; a formidable undercarriage remained hidden beneath its drab carriage.
This required a radically different course, which was kicked off at the 2000 Paris Motor Show by the Fusion concept car. Everything was different: a very smooth body, with sharp creases, a short bonnet and a remarkably high roof.
The Fusion, clearly recognizable as the last Nissan Primera.
A trend at the beginning of the new millennium. Middle class cars also get a high roofline.
Different, but not really to be taken seriously. However? Yes, because the new Primera looked just like it. What a venture from Nissan, which had also stuffed the car with novelties. For example, the instruments were placed centrally in the dashboard, an idea that was mainly used in MPVs at the time.
Why? Because of the aesthetics, because now a completely symmetrical dashboard was possible and the distant meters contributed to an extra feeling of space. Such a set-up would also be easier on the eyes, was an often-heard argument. Funnily enough, all those arguments disappeared by themselves when the instruments gradually moved back towards the driver, only to reappear in central displays recently. But we are not there yet with the third Primera, which also caused a sensation with a central screen as a monitor for a reversing camera. Everyday now, then a sensation. In addition, the Primera already had active cruise control, which automatically kept it at a distance from its predecessor. At least as impressive was that your phone fit into a car kit, after which the car took over the phone functions. Yes yes, calling via a microphone and the speakers of the audio system and that from the factory! Controls were via a triangular keypad protruding prominently from the dash. You had to be here for the control of all kinds of functions, such as air conditioning, audio, on-board computer and navigation. There was even a joystick and you could see what you were doing on the display. It was like the service desk in the town hall. Wonderful, but there was no breakthrough. Also for the Primera itself, despite all efforts and innovation.
.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl