IT WAS like a sneak preview of generations to come. Get into the driving seat and look through the wheel for the intruments and all you see is plain acres of dash.
Slip into reverse and look at a central console and a TV camera gives a wide view of what is behind.
Am I dreaming of a Dan Dare-style motoring world of tomorrow? No I am driving the latest Nissan Primera, a mainstream contender to the likes of the Vauxhall Vectra and Ford Mondeo that makes you gasp over the pure inspiration of design that has been lavished on this vehicle.
For instance, all the instruments are mounted centrally and can be seen by everyone in the car. Bit of a strange sensation this, but I certainly got use to it after a bit. In some ways it leaves the driver bereft of toys - just the steering wheel is left on the vital side.
I was driving a 2.2dCi estate which in its SVE form with leather seats tips the price scale at £19,100.There are much cheaper Primeras to choose from including the lead-in 1.8 petrol at £14,600.
On my test car the navigation system featured a constantly rolling map showing where you were and waiting for input intructions to direct to to the door of you next destination.
Dull it is not. Radical it is. It's as though the designers have taken the rule book and re-written whole chapters.
This car is built at Sunderland and it is something the workforce there can be proud of.
Just as impressive as the interior design is the 2.2-litre dCi 138 PS engine - the largest power unit available in the Primera.It is a 16-valve double overhead camshaft common rail diesel unit with a wonder-wall of torque that peaks at just 2,000 rpm. Coupled to a close ratio six-speed manual transmission, the 2.2 dCi tops 126 mph and rushes from restt to 62 mph time in 9.8 seconds.
In terms of looks, estates have traditionally played second fiddle to saloons and hatchbacks, but as far as the Primera is concerned the boot is on the other foot and the beauty honours go to the one with the sweeping rear.
Primera in diesel form can whistle up a maximum economy of more than 50 mpg just to add to its attainments.
But it is the overall driving experience that really makes this vehicle something else.
It glides through the six-speed box silkily and imparts an overall feeling of total control that speaks volumnes for the design team at Nissan
FAST FACTS
Nissan Primera 2.2 dci SVE Estate
Price : £19,100
Mechanical: 138bhp, 2184cc 4 cyl turbo diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual transmission.
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 10.1secs
Combined mpg: 46.3mpg
Insurance group: 9
CO2 emissions: 164g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint