by The legendary Nissan Primera returns: what is known about the new electric car
Nearly two decades after production ended, the Nissan Primera is preparing for its revival. There is no official confirmation from the company yet, but the model’s name has appeared in documents from the Philippine Department of Energy. These documents indicate that it concerns a specific electric sedan.
Technical specifications and dimensions
According to the documentation, the new Primera will be fully electric. Its dimensions are 4,930 mm in length, with a wheelbase reaching 2,915 mm. This makes it larger than the Toyota Camry. These figures confirm months of rumors that the car will be a rebadged version of the Chinese Dongfeng Nissan N7.
According to Top Gear Philippines, citing the Department of Energy-certified specifications, the Primera will feature a single electric motor with 215 hp (160 kW) and 305 Nm of torque. These figures fully match the base version of the N7. A 60 kWh battery provides a range of up to 500 km.
Design and interior
Given the identical dimensions, no significant design changes compared to the Nissan N7 are expected. The only difference will likely be the “Primera” badge on the trunk lid. The interior will probably also be borrowed, including the 15.6-inch infotainment display on a minimalist dashboard.
Production and target markets
Nissan has not yet announced exact dates, but the company has confirmed that the N7 model is intended for export markets. The car is produced at the Dongfeng Nissan Huadu plant in Guangzhou, alongside the smaller N6 model and the NX8 crossover.
The filing of documents with the Philippine Department of Energy suggests that the revival of the Primera in this market is imminent. It remains to be seen whether this same name will be used in other export markets, which would be logical, as it is much more recognizable than N7.
Historical background
The Nissan Primera debuted in 1990 as a mid-size sedan for Japan and Europe. The model spanned three generations until 2007. It was available in sedan, liftback, and station wagon body styles. The Primera earned a sporty reputation, winning the BTCC championship in 1998 and 1999.
Although the model was primarily sold in Japan and Europe, the first two generations were also offered in North America under the name Infiniti G20 until 2002. Later, the Altima took over the Primera’s role in some markets. The Primera name remains a recognizable part of Nissan’s history in Europe and Asia, which explains the decision to revive it.
The return of the Primera name seems a logical step for Nissan. By using a well-known name in Europe and Asia, the company can more effectively promote the new electric car in these markets than with the obscure N7 badge. Technically, the car is a clone of the Chinese model, allowing Nissan to quickly and cost-effectively bring a competitive large electric sedan to market. Given its dimensions exceeding the Camry and a 500 km range, the new Primera has every chance of becoming a serious player in the segment, especially if the price is attractive. It remains to await official announcements about the sales launch date and the markets where the model will appear under its historic name.
