Skip advert
Advertisement

The Hatch - Nissan Primera

Mark and Stephanie Branfield were rushed into buying their Nissan Primera five-door 18 months ago – but it has turned out to be an excellent choice.

Mark told us: “When my previous car packed up, I needed something in a hurry. I snapped up this hatchback, and it has never given us any trouble.

Advertisement - Article continues below

“The running costs are one of the Nissan’s strongest points; the most recent service cost only £160, while it’s economical, too. We usually achieve around 40mpg. Above all, though, there’s enough room for the five of us, including our 18-year old daughter.”

The three kids (Jade, Lauren and Ryan) and their mum Stephanie are equally enthusiastic. “If we replaced the Nissan, we’d certainly buy the same again: a 1.8-litre hatchback has enough power and space for us,” explained Stephanie.

“We do a lot of camping, and get everything we need in the boot and a roof box. The Primera is definitely well suited to this – and much more reliable – than the Peugeot 406 we ran before.”

Indeed, nothing has gone wrong with the Branfields’ Nissan – even though it’s often crammed to the rafters with the family of five and all their gear.

RIVAL:

Owners love their Octavias – it topped our Driver Power satisfaction survey in 2008 and 2007, and would make a great replacement for the Branfields’ Nissan Primera.

It’s reliable, practical and roomy, with many engine and trim options. Prices start at £3,500 for an 04-reg 1.6 FSI Classic hatch – and are set to drop as a revised car has just arrived. There are barely any issues to look out for, either, as it’s utterly dependable.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,850
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £15,158
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,040 off RRP*Used from £12,495
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £11,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota GR Corolla - front cornering

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK

The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there’s room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla
News
19 Jun 2025
New Audi A3 e-tron proves the brand isn’t turning its back on smaller cars
Render of the Audi A3 e-tron - front static

New Audi A3 e-tron proves the brand isn’t turning its back on smaller cars

Audi has confirmed it’s bringing a posh all-electric take on the MEB platform to market, and in good time
News
18 Jun 2025
Groundbreaking Nissan solid-state EV batteries due on sale by 2028
Nissan Leaf - front cornering

Groundbreaking Nissan solid-state EV batteries due on sale by 2028

The industry is in a race to bring solid-state to the market, and Nissan isn’t too far behind the leaders
News
17 Jun 2025