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Heavyweight 4x4 just keeps getting better ; Robert Maddox checks out the latest Nissan Pathfinder [Sentinel, The (Stoke-on-Trent, England)](Sentinel, The (Stoke-on-Trent, England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) MACHO 4x4s and crossover cars are in demand and Nissan is doing very nicely, as drivers step up to higher-riding models from more conventional estates and hatchbacks, by offering the widest range of them in this country. s The Japanese manufacturer's UK showrooms have no less than seven models with four-wheel-drive, ranging from the newly-arrived Juke urban crossover car to the mighty Pathfinder featured here. In between sits the Qashqai in five and seven-seat versions, the trendy X-Trail and the Murano, which is billed as the original crossover car. There are also the Navara double-cab pickups that are so popular with those enjoying active lifestyles. The Navara and Pathfinder are the heavyweights of the magnificent seven and they're 4x4s now offering drivers a lot more for their money thanks to comprehensive upgrades that brought me the benefit of a premium satellite navigation system in the Tekna specification Pathfinder I drove. Check out the latest Pathfinder and you will discover a vehicle with fresh, more rounded bodywork, more comfortable seats and more power under the bonnet. Nissan has also loaded more equipment onto the model and electronic stability programme is now standard on all three versions sold in the UK. A new four-cylinder diesel engine for both the Pathfinder and Navara has brought classleading power and torque with the bonus of improved fuel economy thanks to higher pressure fuel injection and new cylinder heads. Nissan quotes a combined fuel economy figure of 33.2mpg for Pathfinders with the new engine against 28.8mpg in the case of the vehicles they replace. It helps, of course, that the Pathfinder can be used in just two-wheel-drive form. Emissions have also been reduced (from 264 to 224g/km) with the result the Pathfinder drops two tax bands when compared to its competition with less power. Delivering 188bhp, the engine gives the Pathfinder a top speed of 115mph with rest to 62mph acceleration in just 10.7 seconds. Peak torque is up 47Nm to 450Nm. Yes, the Pathfinder is a big off-roader and the driver enjoys a commanding positionwith good views all round. It's also a vehicle that commands attention with attractive chunky styling inspired by Nissan's Dunehawk concept model that makes it one of the better- looking large 4x4s. I particularly like the way the handles of the rear doors are incorporated into the C-pillars, as in the case of sporting hatchbacks. The cabin is huge, and this is an SUV which is as accommodating as a large MPV thanks to two extra seats stowed under the load area. Having two more seats than the average petrol-powered family car which it matches in the economy stakes makes it attractive for larger families. All the seats are large and there is good headroom both front and rear. However a higher floor, combined with a lower seating position, means that adults who use the rearmost seats have to sit with their knees raised. I like the way these seats fold into the floor when not needed, with a completely flat, extended load deck being created. I measured the deck as being 43inches long (109cm) when the seats were down, against 16 inches (41cms) when they were in place. If you fold up the middle seats it is possible to carry items more than five feet long within the vehicle. Folding or unfolding the seats is very easy. It's a onehanded operation to fold the rearmost seats into the floor, while those in the middle fold and tip. Adults taking the seats in the middle of the vehicle enjoy excellent head and legroom as well as the benefit of a separate heating system for the back of the car. The Nissan Connect Premium infotainment system replaces the DVD sat-nav and CD autochanger previously fitted in the Pathfinder. The hard disk drive-based system brings excellent navigation, music storage and playback and automatically downloads and stores music while also offering full iPod connectivity and a facility for wireless audio streaming using the built-in Bluetooth. The system even includes a reversing camera. The Tekna also comes with new 18-inch wheels, headlight washers, speed limiter and fresh centre console with wood finish in addition to leather upholstery and an air conditioning system with climate control. Extra standard features on the Pathfinder Acenta include a Fine Vision aid for a crisp view of the instrument dials, a new centre console and lidded storage box, plus MP3 AUX input. A strength of the Pathfinder is that it has real go-anywhere ability as well as offering most comfortable transport. The vehicle has good ground clearance and engaging fourwheel- drive from the normal 2WD mode is easy because you simply turn a knob on the centre console. There is an auto mode, plus high and low ratios settings, the latter for serious off-roading. Factor in its new diesel engine, bringing improved fuel economy as well as greater power, plus good ride comfort and an exceedingly high specification and the Pathfinder represents a formidable 4x4 - a tough rival, in fact, for Land Rover's similar-sized Discovery 4. Vital statistics Car tested Nissan Pathfinder Tekna. Price: Pounds 32,265 in standard form. Other versions from Pounds 29,165 (2.5 dci Acenta). Engine: Four-cylinder, 2488cc turbocharged diesel with intercooler. Produces 188bhp. Mated to six-speed manual gearbox and part-time four-wheeldrive system. Performance: 115mph top speed. Rest to 62mph in 11seconds. Fuel consumption: 33.2 mpg combined. Test average, 29.3mpg. Fuel tank capacity, 80 litres. CO2 emissions: 224g/km. VED band K. First year rate is Pounds 550. Thereafter the annual charge is Pounds 310. Insurance: Group 32e. Dimensions: Length 4,813 mm; width 1,848mm excluding door mirrors; height 1,785mm (c) 2011 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |