Which Nissan Primera Version Should You Buy?
Choosing a Nissan Primera depends on whether you value low fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, an automatic transmission, AWD, or a particular body style. The catalogue covers four generations from 1990 to 2008: the first-generation Estate 5-door, the second-generation Hatchback 5-door, its restyled Sedan derivative, and the third-generation Hatchback 5-door.
Choosing a Nissan Primera depends on whether you value low fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, an automatic transmission, AWD, or a particular body style. The catalogue covers four generations from 1990 to 2008: the first-generation Estate 5-door, the second-generation Hatchback 5-door, its restyled Sedan derivative, and the third-generation Hatchback 5-door. Among versions with measured figures, the third-generation 1.9 MT diesel is the economy choice at 5.7 l/100 km combined, while the restyled second-generation 2.0 MT with 150 hp is the quickest at 8.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. The third-generation 2.5 CVT has the highest measured top speed, at 220 km/h, but its acceleration and fuel-consumption figures are not measured.
Nissan Primera generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from 1990 to 1996 as an Estate 5-door and had 33 modifications. The listed choices include Gasoline and Diesel engines, Manual and Automatic gearboxes, and both FWD and AWD. Its engines span 1,597–1,998 cc and 76–175 hp. Although the 175 hp 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT have the strongest outputs in this generation, their acceleration, top speed, and fuel consumption are not measured, so they cannot be compared objectively on those criteria.
The second generation ran from 1995 to 1999 as a Hatchback 5-door and had 38 modifications. Its listed range adds a Variable transmission to the Manual and Automatic choices. Output spans 90–150 hp, while measured acceleration ranges from 8.6 seconds for the 150 hp 2.0 MT to 14 seconds for the 90 hp Diesel 2.0 MT. The 1.8 CVT is notable for combining 130 hp with direct injection, although its performance and economy figures are not measured.
The second-generation restyling ran from 1999 to 2002 as a Sedan and had 31 modifications. It retained Gasoline and Diesel options, introduced listed AWD alternatives alongside FWD, and offered 90–150 hp. The 150 hp 2.0 MT reaches 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and 218 km/h, while the 90 hp Diesel 2.0 MT takes 14 seconds and reaches 175 km/h. Fuel-consumption figures for the listed restyled versions are not measured.
The third generation ran from 2001 to 2008 as a Hatchback 5-door and had 35 modifications. It offers the broadest measured comparison: 106–170 hp, Manual, Automatic, and Variable transmissions, and Gasoline or Diesel engines. All listed third-generation versions are FWD. The economical 1.9 MT uses 5.7 l/100 km combined, while the 2.5 CVT leads the generation in power and measured top speed with 170 hp and 220 km/h.
Nissan Primera engine specs and transmissions
Because identical version names occur with different specifications, power is included wherever it is needed to distinguish them.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Capacity | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 1.6 MT (90 hp) | 90 hp | 136 Nm | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 1.6 AT (175 hp) | 175 hp | 162 Nm | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| First, 1.6 MT (175 hp) | 175 hp | 162 Nm | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 2.0 MT (115 hp Gasoline) | 115 hp | 166 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 2.0 AT (115 hp) | 115 hp | 166 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| First, 2.0 MT (76 hp) | 76 hp | 132 Nm | 1,973 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 1.6 MT (90 hp, later listing) | 90 hp | 136 Nm | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 1.6 MT (102 hp) | 102 hp | 136 Nm | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 2.0 MT (115 hp AWD) | 115 hp | 166 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | AWD |
| First, 2.0 AT (115 hp, later listing) | 115 hp | 166 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| First, 2.0 MT (115 hp, later FWD listing) | 115 hp | 166 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| First, 2.0 MT (125 hp) | 125 hp | 170 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 1.6 MT (99 hp, later listing) | 99 hp | 136 Nm | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT (115 hp) | 115 hp | 166 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT (130 hp) | 130 hp | 173 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 2.0 AT (130 hp) | 130 hp | 173 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT (150 hp) | 150 hp | 181 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT (90 hp Diesel) | 90 hp | 177 Nm | 1,974 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 1.6 MT (99 hp, earlier listing) | 99 hp | 136 Nm | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 1.6 AT (90 hp) | 90 hp | 123 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Second, 1.6 MT (90 hp) | 90 hp | 123 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 1.8 CVT (130 hp) | 130 hp | 173 Nm | 1,769 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Second, 1.8 MT (125 hp) | 125 hp | 156 Nm | 1,838 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Second, 1.8 AT (125 hp) | 125 hp | 156 Nm | 1,838 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Restyled second, 1.6 AT (90 hp) | 90 hp | 123 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Restyled second, 1.6 MT (99 hp) | 99 hp | 136 Nm | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Restyled second, 1.6 MT (90 hp) | 90 hp | 123 Nm | 1,598 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Restyled second, 1.8 MT | 114 hp | 158 Nm | 1,769 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Restyled second, 2.0 MT (115 hp) | 115 hp | 166 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Restyled second, 2.0 AT (140 hp) | 140 hp | 181 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Restyled second, 2.0 MT (140 hp) | 140 hp | 181 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Restyled second, 2.0 MT (150 hp, 181 Nm) | 150 hp | 181 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Restyled second, 2.0 MT (150 hp, 200 Nm) | 150 hp | 200 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | AWD |
| Restyled second, 2.0 AT (150 hp FWD) | 150 hp | 178 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Restyled second, 2.0 AT (150 hp AWD) | 150 hp | 178 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | AWD |
| Restyled second, 2.0 MT (90 hp Diesel) | 90 hp | 177 Nm | 1,974 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Third, 1.6 MT (109 hp, 140 mm) | 109 hp | 144 Nm | 1,596 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Third, 1.8 MT | 116 hp | 163 Nm | 1,769 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Third, 1.8 AT (116 hp) | 116 hp | 163 Nm | 1,769 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Third, 2.0 MT | 140 hp | 192 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Third, 2.0 CVT | 140 hp | 192 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Third, 2.5 CVT | 170 hp | 245 Nm | 2,488 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Third, 1.9 MT | 120 hp | 270 Nm | 1,870 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Third, 2.2 MT (126 hp) | 126 hp | 280 Nm | 2,184 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Third, 2.2 MT (138 hp) | 138 hp | 314 Nm | 2,184 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 6 | FWD |
| Third, 1.6 MT (109 hp, 150 mm) | 109 hp | 144 Nm | 1,596 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Third, 1.6 MT (106 hp) | 106 hp | 136 Nm | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5 | FWD |
| Third, 1.8 AT (125 hp) | 125 hp | 165 Nm | 1,769 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
Nissan Primera performance and fuel economy
For the third generation, the 2.0 MT is the clear performance choice when measured acceleration matters. Its 140 hp moves 1,315 kg, equal to 9.4 kg per hp, and it reaches 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds. The 2.0 CVT has the same 140 hp and 192 Nm, but weighs 20 kg more, takes 1.5 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h, and has a 9 km/h lower top speed. It also uses 0.1 l/100 km more combined.
The third-generation 1.8 MT is marginally quicker and more economical than the 1.8 AT with the same 116 hp and 163 Nm. The Manual reaches 100 km/h in 12.1 seconds, compared with 12.6 seconds for the Automatic, and records 7.4 rather than 8.0 l/100 km combined. Both have the same 1,282 kg kerb weight and 190–194 km/h measured top speeds.
The third-generation 1.9 MT offers the lowest measured combined consumption in the supplied range: 5.7 l/100 km, with 7.3 in the city and 4.8 on the highway. It produces 270 Nm and reaches 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds. The 138 hp 2.2 MT raises torque to 314 Nm and trims acceleration to 10 seconds, but combined consumption increases by 0.4 l/100 km. The 126 hp 2.2 MT also uses 6.1 l/100 km combined and takes 10.9 seconds.
In the second generation, the 150 hp 2.0 MT is the strongest measured performance option. At 1,280 kg, it carries 8.5 kg per hp and reaches 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. The 130 hp 2.0 MT takes 9.6 seconds, so the extra 20 hp cuts a measured 1.0 second from the sprint. The matching 130 hp 2.0 AT requires 11.2 seconds. Fuel consumption for all three is not measured.
In the first generation, the later 102 hp 1.6 MT is a more economical measured choice than the 115 hp 2.0 MT: 7.1 versus 8.3 l/100 km combined, a difference of 1.2 l/100 km. The 2.0 MT is quicker, taking 9.9 rather than 11.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The first-generation 76 hp Diesel 2.0 MT takes 16.9 seconds and reaches 155 km/h; its fuel consumption is not measured.
Nissan Primera dimensions, weight and clearance
Exterior length, width, height, and wheelbase are not measured in the supplied data. Wheel sizes are also not measured for every listed version.
The first generation has recorded kerb weights from 1,175 kg to 1,264 kg where measured, gross weights from 1,630 kg to 1,845 kg, and 140 mm ground clearance throughout the listed range. A 60-litre tank is recorded for several versions; for the later listed versions, tank capacity is not measured.
The second generation records kerb weights from 1,165 kg to 1,335 kg, gross weights from 1,670 kg to 1,795 kg, and ground clearance of either 135 or 140 mm. Every listed version has a 60-litre tank.
The restyled second generation records kerb weights from 1,090 kg to 1,450 kg where measured, gross weights from 1,670 kg to 1,795 kg where measured, and 140 mm ground clearance. Every listed version has a 60-litre tank.
The third generation records kerb weights from 1,270 kg to 1,450 kg and gross weights from 1,615 kg to 1,940 kg where measured. Ground clearance is either 140 or 150 mm, and every listed version has a 62-litre tank.
Which Nissan Primera version to buy and why
Choose the third-generation 1.9 MT if measured fuel economy is the priority. Its 5.7 l/100 km combined figure beats the 138 hp 2.2 MT by 0.4 l/100 km and the 1.6 MT by 1.5 l/100 km, while its 270 Nm exceeds the 1.6 MT’s 144 Nm by 126 Nm.
Choose the third-generation 2.0 MT if you want the best balance of fully measured Gasoline performance and economy. It reaches 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds, tops out at 200 km/h, and uses 8.7 l/100 km combined. The 2.5 CVT supplies 30 hp and 53 Nm more and reaches 220 km/h, but acceleration and consumption are not measured, making a complete numerical comparison impossible.
Choose the second-generation 2.0 MT with 150 hp if acceleration matters more than newer production dates. Its 8.6-second sprint is 1.0 second quicker than the second-generation 130 hp 2.0 MT and the third-generation 140 hp 2.0 MT. Its economy is not measured.
Choose one of the restyled second-generation AWD versions if AWD is mandatory. The 150 hp 2.0 MT produces 200 Nm, while the 150 hp 2.0 AT produces 178 Nm. Acceleration, top speed, and fuel consumption are not measured for either, so the defensible choice is based on Manual versus Automatic rather than unsupported performance claims.
Choose the third-generation 1.8 MT over the 116 hp 1.8 AT when the gearbox is not decisive: it is 0.5 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and saves 0.6 l/100 km combined. Choose the Automatic only when Automatic itself is the required feature.
For an Estate 5-door, the first generation is the relevant generation; for a Sedan, select the restyled second generation; for a Hatchback 5-door, compare the second and third generations. Prices, availability, reliability, problems, engine-oil requirements, and engine-timing details are not measured, so none can be used to justify a purchase decision from this data alone.