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.