Description
Nissan added a final refresh for the first generation of the Primera in 1994, offering customers a better-equipped base model and adding a fresh look to a car that was already four years old.
The Japanese automaker produced the Primera in the UK and offered it in three shapes: the sedan, which was the top-seller, the Hatchback, and the Traveller. The five-door version tried to fill the needs of those who wanted a larger trunk compartment than the one offered by the sedan but didn’t want a station wagon. In addition, this version provided a wider luggage area opening thanks to a tailgate instead of a classic lid. Its only disadvantage compared to the sedan was the look of the rear end, but many considered that it was a worthy compromise, and in 1994, Nissan tried to sweeten the deal with a refreshed front end.
It was the second facelift of the Primera P10, and there were just a few details that made it stand apart from its predecessor. The front fascia sported a clear wing-design theme for the grille, which was flanked by wide headlights with narrowed inner sides. In addition, the corner-mounted turn signals were covered by clear lenses with amber lightbulbs. Lower, under the apron, the automaker installed a lip spoiler below the additional air intake that cooled the engine. As an option, customers could get the car with rectangular fog lamps.
From its profile up to the B-pillar, the 1994 Primera Hatchback shared all its body panels with its sedan sibling. It also shared all the upgraded parts, such as the light-alloy wheels available for higher-grade versions and the black door handles. Behind the rear doors, the hatchback featured a wider C-pillar than on the sedan. Nissan installed a window wiper at the back to clean the rear windscreen. The corner-mounted taillights were narrower than those mounted on the sedan. The automaker added a spoiler on the tailgate for the sportier GT version.
Inside, customers could find low-mounted seats with multiple adjustments, including height. The velour-wrapped interior wasn’t available in too many colors, and there was no option for leather seats. Still, the automaker improved the instrument cluster by adding a second LCD that showed the odometer to the existing one for the clock. In the back, the bench seat could accommodate up to three passengers. It could also fold down to increase the trunk space from 70 liters (16.6 cu-ft) to 1,290 liters (45.6 cu-ft).
The Primera Hatchback shared its drivetrains with the rest of its brothers. Its base engine was a 1.6-liter twin-cam gasoline unit that boasted over 100 HP (102 PS) and was paired with a five-speed manual. The same gearbox was available for the rest of the range, but there was also an option for a four-speed automatic.
