MENTION cameras to most people and they would probably shudder at the thought of the lifeless grey sentries that increasingly line our streets and fleece our pockets.
But Nissan have introduced a friendlier type of camera into the bumper of the Primera - with mixed results.
The Primera's rear view camera is certainly an innovative idea but I found it about as useful as an elocution lesson from John Prescott. In broad daylight it can be a handy tool, but in a dingy car park or in darkness it is just about useless. Full marks for effort though.
The Primera, launched in March this year, is a million miles away from its predecessor.
The new model has adopted a European wedge shape, but still has a very individual style that is pleasing to the eye. From its prominent nose to the stylish rear lights it looks like a car you would want to be seen in.
That must be good news for Nissan as it battles against the likes of the Mondeo and the excellent new Mazda and Vectra in the same sector.
The good looks are not just skin deep, the interior is the same. It is dominated by a single control pod called NFORM - much like a computer game console - that houses most of the controls, including the air conditioning, trip computer, CD/Radio, satellite navigation when fitted and mobile phone plugin.
It is fairly straightforward to use, but as it is out of the driving line of vision, care should be exercised when using it. The other controls are are on the steering column stalks which leaves the rest of the fascia clutter-free.
The rest of the cabin has a light and airy character, is well constructed with quality materials and feels solid. The Primera can accommodate five adults with relative ease and the raised rear bench provides extra comfort for passengers.
On the road, the powerful, but smooth 126 PS 2.2 litre common rail turbo diesel fitted in our test car provides bags of torque to give excellent pulling power right through the gears.
The new engine is allied to a six-speed gearbox which is ultra-precise, but the sixth gear is more of an overdrive and only really comes into play on the motorway or on long stretches of open road.
Performance figures show accleration from 0-60 mph takes nearly 11 seconds, it felt a lot quicker, but it does keep on accelerating effortlessly when pushed.
A brand new front suspension easily soaks up ruts, bumps and potholes and helps the car take corners better than David Beckham. Despite an initial diesel clatter on start up, noise levels are very subdued inside the cabin and tyre noise only becomes intrusive at higher speeds.
Economy is excellent with Nissan claiming a combined figure of 46 mpg - despite the onboard computer showing just under 32 mpg. Suffice to say that after nearly 250 miles of motoring, the fuel gauge had only reached halfway. That and a CO2 emissions figure of 159g/km will make company car drivers look hard at the new Primera when selecting their new car.
As with all Nissans you get a lot of kit for your money with air con, CD radio, electric windows and door mirrors standard across the range. It also features front, side and curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and EBD as standard.
The Primera has taken its old virtues of reliability and value for money and added style and panache - shame about the camera.
FAST FACTS
Nissan Primera 2.2TD SE 5dr
Price: £17,100
Mechanical: 125PS 2.2 litre, four cyl common rail turbocharged diesel driving all four wheels via 6spd transmission
Max Speed: 121mph
0-62mph: 10.9 secs
Combined mpg: 46.3
Insurance Group: 8
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles; 6yrs antirust; 3yrs paint