INTO the pool of faceless family cars plunges Nissan's latest Primera. No dipping the old toes into the water for Nissan they've dived in at the deep end with something that dares to be different.

On body styling alone the new Primera stands out from the crowd, culling a conventional three-box saloon's bonnet, cabin and boot into one sweeping curve that seems to almost touch the floor up front.

Everything else in this class plagiarises the VW Passat's design, only the Primera sidesteps that temptation to stand out on style.

The cabin reveals another mould-breaker: straight-ahead dashboard dials have been dispensed with in favour of siting them in the centre, with the three clocks angled towards the driver.

There's nothing to look at through the steering wheel, but the ergonomics do take a little while to absorb.

The dominating feature of the controls module is the DVD screen, with keypad beneath it for audio, heating and satellite navigation (if fitted).

The keypad relies on one-touch operation for various functions, and this has helped Nissan cut the bells-and-whistles buttons down by half.

If it's toys you're after, go for the top-of-the-range T-Spec, a fine 2.0-litre petrol-engined Primera that came with the M-CVT automatic transmission.

It's just about the most comprehensively equipped car on British roads at the £20,000 mark the manual costs £19,500, the auto gearbox taking that to £20,800.

The T-Spec takes in leather upholstery, an electronic stability programme, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, xenon headlamps with washers, an electric sunroof and uprated CD/radio system.

It doesn't seem much, but that is on top of goodies including DVD satellite navigation, all-electric windows, electric door mirrors, air conditioning there simply isn't the space to list the lot.

Best item was the intelligent cruise control, which constantly adjusts the T-Spec's speed and braking systems to slow the car if you get too close to the cars up front.

The 140bhp all-aluminium engine is a strong Nissan newcomer, which will do 116mph tops and hit 60mph in around 10 seconds.

While there's a six-speed manual version of the T-Spec, the automatic I had didn't disappoint because it has a manual option.

It isn't frugal with fuel you'll be lucky to see mpg top the late 30s but it comes with Nissan's reputation for mechanical reliability.

All the leather and luxury on the inside was matched by a class-leading ride.

Safety is well catered for, with front, side and curtain airbags and electronic stability and braking progammes.

Passengers have slightly higher seating than in most Mondeo-sized motors and five people can travel in assured comfort. The boot is capable, even if the smallish lid lets things down a little.

This British-built Primera is going to take some beating, yet Nissan aren't really gambling with their latest avant-garde incarnation.

The outgoing Primera pulled in a three per cent market share, and Nissan want to up this to five per cent with the new model.

Early sales figures indicate they're easily going to achieve this and don't be surprised if they end up at the eight per cent mark.

Expect the sales push to produce some great discounts across the whole Primera saloon, hatchback and estate car range.