1999 Nissan Primera Break Photos, engines & full specs

Just one year after the introduction of the Primera Wagon in 1998, Nissan refreshed the entire model’s lineup and that included the station wagon version as well.

While most European customers were satisfied with the Primera’s performance, reliability, and comfort, not all of them were pleased with the car’s styling. As a result, Nissan heavily invested in its design department, which came out with a refreshed version of the model in 1999 that was considered more acceptable. The automaker claimed that it upgraded or modified around 600 vehicle parts, and these changes were obvious. The car’s exterior and interior were closer to what other automakers offered, and the drivetrain was also improved. Still, the station wagon was not among the top sellers of the family, but it had to be upgraded along with the rest of the range.

With the 1999 model year, Primera followed the automaker’s design language named “Flying wing,” shown on the car’s grille. While some considered those elements like leaves, Nissan called them wings. The new headlights featured a curved upper line and sharp-angled inner section. On their upper outer sides, the automaker placed the turn signals. Lower, on the bumper, the automaker installed a second broad grille flanked by either triangular-shaped scoops or a set of fog lamps, depending on the trim level.

From its profile, the car’s look was similar to the rest of the range up to the B-pillar. The rear doors, on the other hand, were specific to the Break version. In addition, behind them, the automaker installed a set of windows next to the luggage area, while at the back, the car featured a slightly tilted forward tailgate. The rear fascia featured wide taillights with smoked lenses, making the car look sportier.

Inside, the automaker installed velour-covered front bucket seats divided by a narrow center console that housed the gear stick and the handbrake. The driver fronted a rounded instrument cluster where the speedometer took center stage and was flanked on its left by the tachometer and on the right by two smaller gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature, respectively. In addition, Nissan added a small LCD for the odometer. The center stack housed the integrated stereo, which couldn’t be stolen anymore since it was encoded to the car’s ECU. To create an upscale feeling for the vehicle, the Primera Break sported soft plastic materials on the dashboard. Behind, the folding bench seat could accommodate three passengers. With the rear seats up, the trunk could hold up to 430 liters (15.2 cu-ft.), while with the seats folded, it provided 1,650 liters (58.3 cu-ft.) of space.

Under the hood, all engines complied with the Euro 3 emission standards. The most important novelty was the addition of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine. Nissan offered a choice of three gearboxes, depending on the powerplant version: a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a CVT.