FIVE months before the significantly facelifted Nissan Primera goes on sale in the UK, the manufacturer has taken its first order for 200 vehicles. Contract hire and leasing company Axus UK, which also has its own short-term hire operations, has committed to buy 200 new Primeras in September.

The new Primera received its world debut at this week's Fleet Show at the NEC, Birmingham, where 250 VIP fleet managers were invited to a special 'behind closed doors' sneak preview of the new car. As revealed by Fleet NewsNet, a 1.8-litre petrol engine will be added to the Primera line-up when the new car goes on sale on September 1.

Nissan has also launched a liquefied petroleum gas dual fuel option costing £1,950 on the Primera 2.0 SX hatchback and 2.0 GX estate models. The gas powered Primeras are covered by Nissan's three-year/60,000-mile mechanical warranty. Under the Government-funded Powershift scheme incentivising fleets to buy alternative fuels by reimbursing up to 75% of the conversion costs, the Primera qualifies for the maximum cash-back giving fleets a refund of £1,462.