New Nissan Pathfinder takes a change in direction
There’s yet more sad news for the fans of big, rugged, down-and dirty off-road 4WDs with the Nissan Pathfinder following the latest trend and being transformed into a suburban SUV with only mild dirt road capacity.
For the first time since it arrived here in 1987 Pathfinder comes with the option of two-wheel drive and without the option of diesel power. Seven seats are now standard across the range.
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
As with the latest Nissan Patrol the new Pathfinder comes with just a single engine / transmission option, namely a 190 kW 3.5-litre petrol V6 and CVT. The previous Patrol had the choice of diesel and petrol engines. Nissan Australia got around that problem with the Patrol by selling the previous model alongside the new one but has chosen not to do so with Pathfinder.
While torque from the V6 petrol engine is well down on that from either of the outgoing diesels there’s still enough (325 Nm) to cater for most of its new breed of users. The fuel economy aspect of the missing diesel engine will be partly-covered by the addition of a supercharged-petrol / electric Pathfinder, scheduled to arrive in the second quarter of 2014.
Towing capacity drops from 3500 kg with the previous diesel model to 2700 kg, again suitable for the needs of most buyers especially as it is enhanced with Nissan’s switchable Tow Mode, to assist smooth out acceleration when towing.
Fuel consumption is rated at 9.9 litres per 100 km with 2WD and 0.3 L/100 km more with the extra weight in the 4WD.
BODY
In line with its changed target market new Pathfinder switches from body-on-frame to monocoque construction.
The interior of new Pathfinder is spacious and practical. The two-seat third row is relatively easy to access through large side doors although as usual children are the preferred occupants. Nissan quoted boot space with all seats in place at 453 litres, there’s also an underfloor segmented area.
MODELS
Three grades are offered, Nissan Pathfinder ST, ST-L and Ti. Each comes with the choice of 2WD or 4WD. The 4WD can be switched between 2WD, 4WD Auto (varies torque distribution between the four wheels) and 4WD (permanent 50:50 split between front and rear wheels for rougher terrain).
Standard are tri-zone climate-control air conditioning; roof rails, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, and tilt-telescopic steering wheel adjustment.
For around $10,000 more the mid-spec Pathfinder ST-L adds electronic steering wheel adjustment; heated front seats; front fog lamps; twin sun roofs; and leather-accented door and seat trim.
Another ten grand for the topline Ti model also includes the extra parking convenience of Around View which uses four wide-angle cameras combined with a virtual image of the vehicle to display a bird’s-eye view of its position and surroundings.
Around View is available as part of a $2300 Option Pack in the ST-L models that also includes premium Bose audio with a 9Gb hard drive, satellite navigation and 8-inch monitor.
SAFETY
New Nissan Pathfinder gets a five-star ANCAP rating, with safety equipment that includes six airbags with curtain ‘bags covering all three seat rows; ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; hill hold; Isofix child seat locks in the two centre row seats; reverse parking sensors; and rear view camera.
DRIVING
We’ve tested Pathfinders in fairly rugged terrain over the past 20-plus years but, in recognition of its new role, Nissan chose the benign conditions around Canberra for its 2013 Pathfinder launch program. There was a short section of smooth gravel while we were in the 4WD variant but not enough to bother switching out of 2WD mode.
As is to be expected new Pathfinder is significantly quieter and more refined than before with little road noise intrusion. Being built in the USA and aimed primarily at that market the ride is on the soft side but, once again, is suited to purpose.
The engine is the tried and proven V6 unit that we’ve driven in vehicles ranging from the Nissan 350Z to the about to be launched Nissan Altima.
Nissan was one of the pioneers of continuously variable transmission (CVT) in this country and with Pathfinder they’ve managed to smooth out the revving fluctuations that have disconcerted some drivers.
SUMMING UP
Think of Pathfinder as a seven-seat SUV rather than a 4WD and it all makes sense. There’s plenty of power from a gutsy V6 engine, excellent flexible interior space that allows it to convert to a two-seat van with 2250 litres of storage space.
Those looking for something different may care to wait for the supercharged-petrol / electric hybrid Nissan Pathfinder that will be here by mid 2014.
The complete 2013 Nissan Pathfinder range is:
ST 2WD 3.5-litre petrol five-door seven-seat wagon: $39,990 (CVT automatic)
ST-L 2WD 3.5-litre petrol five-door seven-seat wagon: $50,290 (CVT automatic)
Ti 2WD 3.5-litre petrol five-door seven-seat wagon: $60,790 (CVT automatic)
ST 4WD 3.5-litre petrol five-door seven-seat wagon: $44,290 (CVT automatic)
ST-L 4WD 3.5-litre petrol five-door seven-seat wagon: $54,290 (CVT automatic)
Ti 4WD 3.5-litre petrol five-door seven-seat wagon: $64,890 (CVT automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for driveaway prices.
