Not even a joystick could help the latest Nissan Primera

The Ariya now occupies the same position in the Nissan model range exactly two decades ago, the then new, third generation of the Primera. A very striking model at the time, with an even more striking interior. And a joystick!

Of first first made a big impression on its debut in 1990 with its elegant, typically European looks and excellent driving qualities. The second first it continued on the same somewhat too safe path in 1996; a formidable trolley remained hidden under her squalid carriage.

This required a radically different route, which was initiated at the 2000 Paris Motor Show by the Fusion concept car. Everything was different: a very smooth body, with sharp creases, a short bonnet and a noticeably high roof.

The Fusion, clearly recognizable as the latest Nissan Primera.

A trend at the beginning of the new millennium. Even middle-class cars have a high roofline.

Different, but not to be taken seriously. However? Yes, because the new Primera looked just like that. What a feat from Nissan, who had also filled the car with novelties. For example, the instruments were centrally located in the dashboard, an idea that was mainly used in MPVs at the time.

How come? Due to the aesthetics, because a completely symmetrical dashboard was now possible and the distant counters contributed to an additional feeling of space. Such a setup would also be easier on the eyes, was an oft-heard argument. Oddly, all of these topics disappeared on their own as the instruments gradually moved back towards the driver, only to recently reappear in the central displays. But we are not there yet with the third Primera, which also caused a sensation with a central screen as a monitor for a reversing camera. Every day now, then a feeling. Furthermore, the Primera already had active cruise control, which automatically kept it at a distance from its predecessor. At least as impressive was having your phone plug into a car kit, after which the car took over the functions of the phone. Yes yes, calling through a microphone and speakers of the audio system and the factory one! Controls were via a triangular keypad that protruded prominently from the dashboard. You had to be here to check all sorts of functions, such as air conditioning, audio, trip computer and navigation. There was also a joystick and you could see what you were doing on the display. It was like the service desk at City Hall. Wonderful, but there was no breakthrough. Even for Primera itself, despite all the efforts and innovations.