THE last Nissan Primera's styling was not to my taste but there are still a good number on the market and few cars are better made or longer lasting.

It was available as five door hatch, saloon and as a sleek estate that was the best looking car in the range.

Sales never reached the hoped-for levels, and the company withdrew it from sale in 2006.

It's a sophisticated car with a six-speed gearbox long before most others, a clutch as light as a feather and power steering with decent feel.

Petrol engines were 114bhp 1.8 and 140bhp 2.0-litre, and the very good 2.2 diesel initially had 124bhp, but this was later increased to an excellent (for the day) 138bhp.

The ride is good at speed, without being exceptional, but suffers in town, where the car seems to feel every ripple in the surface.

The handling is safe, but does not somehow instil confidence even though the road-holding is pretty good.

Equipment is very good in all and the cabin is well-built. Controls for climate and stereo are all in one unit and although it takes time to learn, it works well once mastered.

: 18%

: 8/10

: Ford Mondeo