1996 Nissan Primera Sedan P11 Photos, engines & full specs

Nissan introduced the second generation of the Primera in 1995 in Japan and in the following year in Europe, trying to catch up with the sales of its main rivals, the Mondeo from Ford and the 406 from Peugeot.

The Japanese automaker launched the second generation of the Primera just six years after the nameplate’s introduction on the market in 1990 and just two after the refreshed previous model. But that rush was justified by the quickly changing European market, with strong competitors made by Ford, Opel/Vauxhall, Renault, and Peugeot. As a result, Nissan pushed harder and launched the P11 Primera in 1996. Unfortunately, even if the exterior was drastically improved, an untrained eye could have mistaken it with its predecessor, the P10. Right off the bat, Nissan offered the car in two shapes: the sedan and the hatchback. The former aimed at those looking for an upscale-looking vehicle with an independent trunk in the back.

The second generation of the Primera boasted wide headlights with narrowed-down inner areas towards the badge that took center stage on the front fascia. Nissan installed the flying wing design-themed grille that still looked like a pair of leaves. On the lower side of the bumper, the P11 featured an apron that sported a broad air intake needed to cool the engine. A set of fog lamps was available as an option.

From its profile, the narrow nose of the car continued with an ascending beltline that went all the way to the back of the vehicle. Finally, Nissan introduced body-colored door handles on the Primera, which made the car look more upscale when it sported any other color than black. Depending on the grade, the P11 sedan featured light alloy wheels, but the base version still sported steel wheels with caps. At the back, the tall and short deck created the image of a sporty-looking vehicle. Finally, the rear fascia featured wide taillights with clear upper sides for the reversing lights.

Inside, Nissan worked hard to provide customers with a better-built cabin. While some of the plastics were not at the same level as the ones from other brands, the fit and finish were very good. In addition, on the center stack, the automaker installed a stereo that was paired with the car’s ECU and didn’t work on any other vehicle. After all, those were the years when car stereos were often stolen from vehicles. The car greeted its front occupants with low-mounted bolstered seats that offered a sporty feeling. Thanks to the longer wheelbase than on its predecessor, the knee room for the rear passengers was better. Furthermore, the taller greenhouse also led to an increased headroom for all occupants.

While some powerplants were carried over from the previous P10 Primera, Nissan introduced a new version of the two-liter gasoline engine that provided 150 PS (148 hp). The new platform featured a multi-link rear beam suspension that greatly improved comfort and driving experience.