Premier 118NE History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
Start with a make and model. Add a year where a detailed guide is available.
Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
Browse this model's history and yearsHistory
In 1981 Premier began acquiring the production tooling and techniques for the facelifted SEAT 124 D — itself a Spanish-built Fiat 124 derivative — after receiving authorisation from Fiat. The resulting car, launched in autumn 1985 as the Premier 118NE, differed from the original Italian Fiat 124 primarily in its powertrain: Premier installed a Nissan A12 engine (1,171 cc, 52 bhp) and matching Nissan manual gearbox in place of the Fiat unit, making for a distinctly hybrid mechanical specification.
The 118NE was positioned as a slightly larger, more modern alternative to the aging Padmini, but it never displaced its sibling in public affection or taxi-fleet orders. In 1996 Premier added a diesel variant, the 1.38D, using an engine licensed from Fratelli Negri Macchine Diesel Sud of Italy. Near the end of its production run a variant called the Viceroy appeared in collaboration with Peugeot. Both the 118NE and the Padmini were phased out around 2001 as Premier ceased passenger-car assembly at Kurla.
Body styles
- Saloon (sedan)
Notable special editions & performance variants
118NE 1.38D
Diesel variant powered by a Fratelli Negri-licensed engine, added to the range in 1996.
Viceroy
A late-life variant developed during the PAL-Peugeot (PPL) partnership from 1996, with improved paint, rust protection and build quality; limited production near the end of the 118NE's life.
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Premier 118NE
Search Amazon across available years, colors, and scales. Exact releases vary, so confirm the listing before ordering.