Highlights
- Cutting edge engine technology in the MSUV segment
- V9X torque – 550Nm peak, 500Nm available from 1500rpm
- Combined cycle consumption just 9.5l/100km
- Innovative materials and engineering in V9X engine
- Silky smooth delivery of V6 configuration, without traditional diesel noise
- Innovative CO2 reduction techniques
- Nissan Premium Connect infotainment
- Improved material quality and finish for more premium ambience
- 3500kg towing capacity
Anyone looking for an SUV with an abundance of off-road ability, complete reliability, classically rugged styling and an interior both luxurious and spacious has for several years now needed to look no further than the Nissan Pathfinder. But progress waits for no man, or machine, and 2010 sees this respected SUV offering cutting edge modern technology, in the shape of the new Pathfinder 3.0 V6 dCi.
Nissan has added the latest technologies and a particularly gifted new V6 turbo diesel engine to this latest generation of Pathfinder. The changes have focused on further massaging the refinement of the Pathfinder experience through the combination of this very modern V6 and Nissan’s new 7-speed automatic transmission.
The new Pathfinder V6 sets new standards for power delivery while rendering superb fuel economy and emitting fewer exhaust gases than ever. The clean-slate engine design has delivered a power plant which combines the velvet-smooth delivery of the V6 configuration with thumping torque characteristics, and is based on some of the advances made while creating the acclaimed 2.0 dCi Nissan engine.
New body panels and detailing have created a bold new face for the Pathfinder while retaining the powerful hallmarks of the original design, while the availability of a fresh choice of hue for the paintwork gives buyers more customisation options than ever.
Silken ride
The new 3.0-litre V6 dCi engine now installed in this latest Pathfinder delivers significant power advantages over the class-leading 2.5-litre dCi which slots in just beneath it in the range. Developing 170 kW at 3750 rpm and a barrel-chested 550Nm at just 1750 rpm, the new V6 has more than enough muscle to power beyond any obstacle.
This ample torque endows the Pathfinder V6 dCi with an athletic 0-100kph sprint time, yet emits an estimated 250g/km of CO2. But it is the focus of the Renault-Nissan Alliance engineers to build a diesel engine which competes with its celebrated VQ-series petrol V6 models in the sheer quality of delivery and driving enjoyment which drove the adoption of new technologies entirely. The result, named V9X internally, is a diesel motor which easily competes with these petrol engines for driver enjoyment while trumping them comfortably on torque output and overall consumption.
The Pathfinder V6 dCi now also channels its grunt to all four driven wheels through a new seven-speed automatic transmission. This modern gearbox matches the characteristics of the V9X engine perfectly for a drive which competes with the best in the fiercely contested luxury medium SUV segment.
A low idle speed of just 650rpm would in current-generation diesel motors have produced excessive and unpleasant noises and significant vibrations, but the Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) material used to create the block of the V9X also gave Alliance engineers the window to reduce the compression ratio to 16:1 and still deliver record noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) results. Any doubt that the engine might be a diesel is dispelled immediately by the 500Nm of torque it generates at just 1500 rpm, for unmatched throttle response in any gear.
Comments Johan Kleynhans Director of Sales, Marketing, and Aftersales at Nissan SA; “The V9X produces peak torque from as low as 1700 rpm to 2000 rpm, while as much as 500Nm is available from a mere 1500rpm. And yet, even more impressive is how it feels and sounds while generating this amazing thrust – as progressive and refined as the best petrol V6s right down to a hardening of the exhaust note at high revs under full acceleration”.
The overall operation of the engine has been made smoother still by reduction of internal friction due to the use of ultra-smooth components - such as the micro-finished forged steel used for the crankshaft. By optimising the shape of the combustion chamber, utilising 7-hole piezo injectors running at 1800psi, and incorporating active cooling for the catalytic converter, fuel economy is maximised and harmful emissions reduced.
The new Pathfinder V6 dCi is not only still one of the most charming SUVs on the market, it now boasts an engine worthy of envy. The V9X motor represents a significant step forward in turbo diesel production, and in this comfortable SUV finds an ideal platform to highlight just how effective it can be.
Sheer comfort, anywhere
Of course, it just wouldn’t be a Pathfinder without the ability to use that muscle on any terrain, and the off-road credentials of this model remain comprehensive. The all mode 4x4 system adapts itself to the requirements of the surface the vehicle is travelling on. The system is also selectable by the driver, by choosing from a fully-automatic setup which allows the on-board systems to select the relevant configuration - a 2WD mode, or the full 4WD HI or LO Modes when adventure strikes.
Being a Nissan, the Pathfinder is durable, well-built, and very reliable – just the qualities you need in a pinch. The new V6 diesel engine, meanwhile, is capable of delivering enough torque to tackle even the steepest climbs, or pull a stricken fellow adventurer from a sticky spot even – as the towing capacity of 3500kg (of braked trailer) amply demonstrates.
In addition to airbags for both front passengers as well as curtain airbags, the drive control systems feature Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) anti-slip electronics as well as an Active Brake Limited Slip (ABSL) setup. ABLS operates in both 2WD and 4WD modes, and works by applying the brakes to any slipping wheel redirecting power to the other driven wheels. This works much like having two mechanical limited slip differentials when all four wheels are being driven, one at the front and one at the rear, and effectively gives access to the full sum of grip available to the tyres at any given moment.
Rugged and purposeful
The updated Pathfinder cuts a finer figure than ever, whether running like clockwork on city roads or climbing a rocky mountainside. It still boasts a classic off-road appearance, perfectly blended with a suitably stylish, urban professional cool. The standard halogen headlamps perfectly complement the new hood, bumper, and front grille and give the impression of a sophisticated “face” artfully edged by chrome detailing. The rear bumper is restyled to be entirely comprehensive with the changes to the front, and as a result the overall profile is more crisply defined than ever.
The 17” alloys adds even more presence to the Pathfinder, and two new colour options are available to ensure that you stand out from any crowd. They also fill the chunky wheel arches convincingly, looking sporty without being too dainty for on-the-cuff off-road excursions.
The new panels help create a more aerodynamically efficient front end, and the reduced coefficient of drag brings positive effects for overall economy.
New creature comforts
Inside, the Pathfinder V6 dCi will appeal to the modern customer. It starts with new higher-quality leather upholstery, and an even more comfortable seat design, while the door trim and switchgear feel like those you’d expect of a premium SUV.
A newly designed centre console makes for a more flowing cabin overall, and acts as the housing for the Nissan Premium Connect infotainment system, which has been designed to meet and exceed the needs of modern drivers. Premium Connect consists of a high-resolution touch screen, 40GB built-in hard drive for storing your music digitally and conveniently, and a user-friendly control interface for accessing the available functions. The quality of audio reproduction is intoxicating, due to the Bose sound system installed as standard.
The Rear View parking camera also feeds its footage back to the touch screen in the centre console, and Nissan has added cruise control with a built-in speed limiter and satellite controls on the multifunction steering wheel for more comfortable long-distance travelling.
The space to play
One of the foundations on which the Pathfinder was built was to provide a spacious and very comfortable area for the family to enjoy whether travelling to the supermarket or across the spine of Africa. And by providing this space, the Nissan Pathfinder also manages to be extremely versatile, thanks to touches like the rear seats which fold down flat to the floor, providing a substantial and entirely flat load area if it’s needed.
This sheer flexibility matches the character of the new drivetrain, which expertly juggles torque and thrust at all times to deliver the performance expected and remain frugal on the diesel. The 7-speed automatic gearbox operates almost seamlessly never interrupting the flow of power from engine to road.
“The Pathfinder V6 dCi is a vehicle which is always comfortable – the V9X engine and extra spec allow it to fully realise its impressive potential. It is now a hardcore off-roader clad in a velvet suit, delivering a true spirit of adventure without any of the sacrifices often associated with such rugged capacity. It is multipurpose redefined, the ideal mix of comfort and strength, and we believe it will make a significant impact on the future of mobility,” comments Terry Mashoko Pathfinder Product Manager, Nissan SA.
The pitch
The Nissan Pathfinder is a car for the entire family, not just mom or dad. It is a proper SUV, now jam-packed with high-tech and intelligent safety systems. Mix in strong styling, a luxurious, high-quality cabin, and the epic torque delivery of the V6 dCi, and what you have is a vehicle which offers the best of all worlds – one which is comfortable performing the full breadth of our daily motoring spectrum, from weekend bundu-bashing to going with the flow of a traffic-laden commute.
With a starting price of just R619,000, the new Pathfinder V6 dCi represents excellent value. The class-leading package, now complete with impressive, modern, and innovative drivetrain, adapts smoothly to any challenges presented to it, while ensuring optimum efficiency at all times and producing a leaner carbon footprint than the competition.
The comfortable interior perfectly counterpoints the rugged exterior and do-anything nature, complete with all the equipment and build quality befitting a premium SUV. This new Pathfinder ventures into new realms of sophistication, and exudes a quietly confident presence while redefining the refinement you expect from a frugal diesel engine.
The Pathfinder V6 dCi, like its intended owner, is laser-targeted on being better than the best. On delivering new experiences, setting new standards, and blazing new automotive trails. One short experience of the new V9X-engined flagship is like looking into the future, today.
Technical specifications
Engine name: 3.0 V6 dCi (V9X)
Layout: V6 / 65°
Number of cylinders/valves: 6/24
Air intake system: Turbo Intercooler
Injection type: Diesel direct injection, 1800 bar double common rail, 7-hole Piezo injectors
Balancer shaft : Not necessary
Crankcase/cylinder head material: Cast Iron/Aluminium
Cylinder block material: Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI)
Displacement: 2991cm3
Bore X stroke: 84mm X 90mm
Compression ratio: 16:1
Camshaft Drive: Single stage chain
Emission control system: Catalytic converter with EGR
Maximum power: 170kw/3750rpm
Maximum torque: 550nm/1750rpm
Performance
0-100km/h: 9.30s
Top speed: 195km/h
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Urban cycle: 12.7 litres/100km
Extra urban cycle: 7.6 litres/100km
Combined cycle: 9.5 litres/100km
CO2 emissions: 250 g/km
Prices
Pathfinder 3.0 V6 dCi 7-speed A/T: R619,900
Pathfinder3.0 V6 dCi 7 –speed A/T (with Nissan Premium Connect): R644,900
# # #
