JUST as it does in all areas of life, the evolutionary process moves inexorably along in the motoring world.
There was a time when so-called luxury fixtures and fittings were unique to flagship models in which buyers expected, and got, the ultimate blend of refinement and hi-tec equipment.
Today, many of the mass producers have introduced much higher specifications into their standard products with kit generally found on cars higher up the so-called pecking order, bringing ever more refinement to the everyday repmobile.
And Nissan has been one of the pacemakers in loading its family cars with the kind of goodies normally reserved for motoring elite in models like the Primera T-Spec.
The T stands for Technology, and this car has it by the shedful.
The Primera has been with us since the early part of the last decade but, while justifiably earning a reputation as a satisfying driver's car, the last version of this family sized motor never really set the D-segment alight when it came to putting on the style.
However, all that has now changed, the introduction of the third generation Primera brought a new, radical look which helped the Sunderland-built saloons and hatchhbacks stand out from the crowd.
While the Estate Car carries through the curved theme which has made Primera Mark III Saloons and Hatchbacks such head-turners on the High Street, the elegant, uninterrupted flowing silhouette of this carry-all is extremely graceful with no sign of the add-on effect hinted at by some of the genre.
In fact, there is no hint at all of the utility look which dogged its predecessor, while practicality has not been compromised in pursuit of style.
While it's probably best described as a tourer rather than an out-and-out load lugger, the boot is well capable of providing accommodating space for family holiday travel. The high opening rear door reveals a user-friendly load height and wide, symmetrical floor while split-fold rear seats provide a virtually flat cargo bay floor for larger items.
The thoughtfully constructed cabin greets you with a classy, high quality feel in a hugely accommodating interior. Leg, head and shoulder room having been expertly addressed by the Nissan design team.
Their innovative skills have also extended to an instrument binnacle sitting in the centre of the dashboard with the three dials thoughtfully angled towards the driver, while beneath it is a 7 inch colour screen which not only provides satnav, audio, air con and diagnostic information, but also provides the view to the back for one of the Primera's most innovative safety features - the rear parking camera.
That rear view camera tops a lavish standard kit list on the T-Spec model which also includes DVD satellite navigation, hands-free phone kit, "set and forget" electronic climate control and rain sensing wipers.Not to mention the auto dim rear view mirror, electric windows all round, powered sunroof, electric door mirrors, six-speaker CD and radio system with steering wheel controls and intelligent cruise control which is linked to brake and throttle to automatically maintain a safe distance from the car in front.
Front of house in the Primera Estate is a good place to be where, cossetted by heated leather seating, electric adjustment provides an agreeable pilot position to suit most drivers.
Its predecessors were always respected as good handlers and this Primera Estate retains the reputation and then adds some.
Mounted on 17-inch alloys it produces a comfortable ride, the all-new front suspension helping to smooth out some horrendous B-road surfaces while stringing together a series of bends with confidence-inspiring ease. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and ABS braking with Nissan Braking Assist (NBA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) are all on hand to assist the unwise and the unwary.
The 2.2-litre turbo diesel power source proved a dream, mated to a slick-shifting, close ratio six-speed manual gear change, it provides goodly amounts of punch and impressive pulling power - and it does so in pretty refined and economical manner.
There is, of course, much more top be admired in this Mark III Primera, not least safety features such as a full complement of airbags, front, side and curtain, items not always to be found as standard in this range of car which starts on the road from £15,600 for the entry level 1.8-litre petrol model.
FAST FACTS
Nissan Primera Estate 2.2 dCi T-Spec
Price: £20,600
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: 10
CO2 emissions: 164g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint