Nissan's most exciting everyday SUV has found its way to South African shores. The Pathfinder has arrived!
This third generation of medium sports utility vehicle (M-SUV) is based on the Dunehawk concept vehicle, which was displayed at the Nissan Auto Africa stand in 2004, and boasts seven seats, ultimate luxury, safety and performance and a host of best-in-class features. With its high ground clearance, muscular flared wheel wells with 17-inch alloy wheels, new generation SUV angled strut mesh and chrome grill, it presents an imposing and aggressive stance.
With dynamic on and off-road performance, award winning engine and highly adaptable and multi-faceted interior, the Pathfinder is a serious 4x4.
Power and Performance
Pathfinder is engineered for enjoyment on-road and freedom off-road. There is a choice of two powerful and responsive engines. The highly efficient, low emission 128 kW turbo diesel engine, and the 4.0 litre V6 198 kW petrol engine. Either engine has ample torque to make climbing easy.
Best-in-segment power and torque comes from Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series (similar to that fitted to the 350Z and among the US Ward's 10 best engines for the past decade). This is the 4.0-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 that boasts 198 kW of power at 5 600 r/min and 385 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min, according to ECE standards and tests.
It features lightweight components and friction reducing micro-finishing plus an advanced Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control system that delivers optimum power at any revs per minute.
An all-new 2,5-litre four-cylinder intercooled turbo-diesel engine has been introduced with the Pathfinder. It develops 128 kW at 4 000 r/min and 403Nm at 2 000 r/min and features a second-generation common-rail direct injection technology for lower emissions.
The vehicle is available with a choice of 6-speed manual (diesel) or 5-speed Tiptronic (petrol and diesel) transmissions. The automatic transmission gives you the option of switching to manual mode so you can shift up or down the gears sequentially.
All-Mode 4WD
For those who measure driving performance by the size of the challenge in their way, the Pathfinder has been equipped with 4x4 capabilities that push the limits of off-road adventure.
Nissan's acclaimed All-Mode electronic 4 wheel drive system with low range gearing interprets the road and driving conditions and translates this information into the precise amount of torque to the wheels.
The driver can choose between four driving modes with the twist of a convenient dashboard switch: 2WD, Auto, 4H or 4L. 2WD (2 wheel drive) for economical highway cruising, sends power to the rear wheels only. Auto mode electronically monitors levels of grip and automatically manages engine torque between 100% rear wheel drive and 50/50 front and rear, to ensure optimum progress on slippery surfaces. 4H (4 wheel drive high ratio) locks the differentials into 50/50 front to rear mode for light off-roading such as loose surface gravel roads. 4L (4 wheel drive low ratio) is for serious off-road conditions only. It selects a low ratio for maximum traction for extreme off road conditions, with maximum engine braking whilst descending.
The Pathfinder's superior off road credentials are enhanced by its best-in-segment ground clearance of 234mm, 450mm wading depth and 39 degree climbable gradient. Approach and departure angles are 33 and 26 degrees respectively and ramp angle is 24 degrees. With a lateral inclination angle of 48,7 degrees, the Pathfinder is an all-round performer, perfectly suited to conquering the great outdoors.
Braking, Steering and Suspension
The Pathfinder braking system offers a combination of responsiveness and control, giving you confidence and peace of mind. Electronic Brake force distribution plus Nissan brake Assist give the Pathfinder one of the shortest braking distances in its class.
Stopping power comes from 296mm vented disc brakes in front and 308mm drum in vented discs at the rear. These are complimented by ESP+, a combination of Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) – see graphic – and Traction control system (TCS) – see graphic – which constantly monitors the vehicle's stability and uses sensors to automatically control the brake pressure on individual wheels and maintain the engine output to enhance vehicle stability. TCS avoids wheel spin by controlling the torque applied to each wheel. In extreme conditions, it brakes the spinning wheel totally by acting like an electronic limited slip differential. To help you get moving off-road or in slippery conditions, this active brake limited slip system gently brakes the wheel with the least grip, diverting the torque to the wheels with the most adhesion.
The four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) is backed up by Nissan Brake Assist, EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution) and ABLS (Active Brake Limited Assist), which controls all four wheels and reduces wheel slip. All of which makes the Pathfinder the best in its segment for its braking capabilities, handling stability and ride comfort.
ABS anti-lock braking prevents the wheels from locking during braking, while Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) automatically regulates the pressure to the front and rear brakes, achieving the maximum braking efficiency for the road conditions. If you have to make an emergency stop, the Nissan Brake Assist System automatically increases the braking force and reduces the stopping distance.
Rack and pinion steering is power assisted with a turning circle (curb to curb) of 11,9m and 3,6 turns lock to lock.
The F-Alpha platform (fitted to all new generation Nissan SUVs) is a fully boxed all-steel ladder frame chassis. The front and rear independent double wishbone suspension, with coil over shock in front and multi-link with coil springs at the rear, provides a calm, composed ride with impressive road holding, and offers the kind of strength, durability and safety that you would expect in a go-anywhere vehicle.
Safety
The backbone of Pathfinder's robust construction is a unique Monoframe construction, designed to provide superior rigidity and enhance emergency handling and long-lasting quality. And it's an excellent foundation for the over 50 standard safety features that compliment the new Pathfinder's superior off-road capability.
Complementing the ABS with Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control, there are front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, side impact bars, driver and passenger front airbags, side thorax airbags and curtain airbags.
In the event of a side impact or if an impending rollover is detected, the roof-mounted curtain airbags are deployed. These remain inflated long enough to help provide all three rows of outer passengers enhanced protection.
Comfort and Security
Whether on road or off, there's no need to sacrifice interior comfort and appointment with the Pathfinder. The seven-seater offers a high degree of luxury and versatility. The seats are covered in leather and offer the driver electric-powered seat height adjustment and lumbar support, with two memory settings.
There's dual zone and rear air-conditioning with Climate Control, Cruise Control, driver's computer and a premium six-CD front-loading audio system with six speakers and fingertip controls on the steering wheel.
Security is provided by remote central locking and an immobiliser.
Map lights in the front, an electro chromatic rear view mirror with compass digital display and an exterior temperature display complete the interior picture. Windows and exterior mirrors are electrically operated.
Exterior features include an upper/lower split tailgate, sunroof, two adjustable roof rails that can carry up to 100 kg, side steps, mud flaps and front fog lamps.
The Pathfinder offers superior towing capability of 3000kg (unbraked). The 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 255/65 profile R17 tyres.
Versatile Space
Accommodation is spacious and the Pathfinder boasts the most luggage room in its class.
The interior is configured with three rows of seats accommodating seven people, with the second and third rows able to fold flat into the floor to create a huge load area. The front passenger seat also folds flat to allow for 2,8m in storage length. The seats fold down individually, offering exceptional versatility with a total of 64 different loading configurations. The flat load space floor has twelve hooks to secure a cargo-retaining net, and to hide your luggage from inquisitive eyes, a tonneau cover pulls out from the second or third row of seats.
Even with the third row of seats in use there is class-leading luggage space. For added convenience, the rear glass hatch opens for easy access to the rear luggage area in tight spaces.
The dashboard has three useful storage spaces including a split-level glove box, a large capacity console box, storage space on either side of the third row of seats as well as the hidden storage under the second row of seats for valuables. A centre console incorporates cup holders in front and more cup holders as well as air conditioner controls at the rear, and there's a handy holder for sunglasses above the rear-view mirror.
Warranty
The Nissan Pathfinder is covered by Nissan's 3-year or 100 000 km warranty.
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