Nissan Avenir I (W10) photos

Launched in May 1990, the first-generation Nissan Avenir carrying the W10 chassis code replaced the station wagon variants of the Bluebird series and established a dedicated mid-size wagon nameplate in Nissan's lineup. Underpinned by the front-wheel-drive platform of the P10 Nissan Primera, the W10 combined car-like handling and highway stability with a spacious five-door wagon body designed to appeal to both private buyers and commercial fleets. Unlike its boxy predecessors, the Avenir featured sleek, rounded styling, flush glass, and a well-appointed cabin. The range was split between plush passenger versions and the utilitarian Avenir Cargo, the latter equipped with a durable leaf-spring rear suspension to handle heavier payloads. Engine options spanned reliable inline-four units, starting with 1.6-liter GA16DS and GA16DE engines for entry-level and commercial trims, moving up to 1.8-liter SR18Di/SR18DE and 2.0-liter SR20DE gasoline engines, alongside 2.0-liter CD20 naturally aspirated and CD20T turbodiesel powerplants. Transmissions included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic, available with either front-wheel drive or Nissan's ATTESA all-wheel-drive system. Facelifts in 1993 and 1995 introduced the Avenir Salut sub-name for passenger grades, revised exterior lighting and grille designs, improved safety equipment, and a high-performance turbocharged SR20DET AWD variant. While marketed as the Avenir in Japan, the W10 was also exported to European markets where it was badged as the Nissan Primera Wagon.