Faults:

Front suspension joints needed to be changed, as a clapping noise indicated. No big deal, either financially or work-wise.

General Comments:

A well built and serious family car.

The engine runs like a clock, will roar or purr on request.

Better build quality than most European rivals: it feels very safe.

Fuel consumption remains reasonable for an automatic gearbox, if far from exceptional.

Aerodynamics are nothing to write home about: whistling sounds above 120 km/h.

I beg to differ from most opinions: I enjoy the understated simplicity of the cabin. Nothing plain or sinister, just functional and low-key. Hey, some BMW cabins are far gloomier...

It's a great car for all of those who rather not to make a statement with their car (in France, of course, the Primera doesn't have the "minicab image" I understand it is afflicted with in the UK).