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Nissan Primera 1.8 SE 5-dr LPG

Thirstquencher

We have always had one big reservation about Nissan's Primera - the fuel consumption. No matter which engine or gearbox we test, the economy figures we achieve are disappointing, and much worse than the claimed official stats. Could converting to LPG power be the solution to those worrying fuel bills?

By Chris Thorp

April 2003

We have always had one big reservation about Nissan's Primera - the fuel consumption. No matter which engine or gearbox we test, the economy figures we achieve are disappointing, and much worse than the claimed official stats. Could converting to LPG power be the solution to those worrying fuel bills?

Nissan uses a familiar method: take a standard model and use a specialist firm to fit a gas tank in place of the spare wheel. Buyers can either keep the spare and sacrifice boot space, or go for a 'get-you-home' repair aerosol. Flicking between petrol and LPG simply takes the push of an inconspicuous button. The Primera's driving experience is largely identical to that of a standard model, although the harsh engine note and stodgy gearbox will soon leave the driver wanting. But what about the car's selling point - the savings?

The Primera LPG's claimed combined fuel economy is 29.8mpg - still not good enough. But buyers of the LPG benefit from the Government's Power-shift grant, which aims to encourage greater use of alternative fuels. And with Autogas costing half the price of petrol, the savings for high-mileage drivers could soon mount up.

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FIRST OPINION

    Halving the fuel cost of Nissan's thirsty Primera has to be good news. The LPG conversion is discreet and takes up very little boot space, but the coarse engine and lack of driver enjoyment are ongoing problems. However, if your petrol bills make your eyes water, LPG could be the answer.
 

AT A GLANCE

    LPG available now on four and five-door models, plus estates
    Nearly £1,050 more expen-sive than the standard model
     
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