CIRCULATING IN WANGARATTA, BENALLA, MYRTLEFORD, BRIGHT, MT BEAUTY, BEECHWORTH, YACKANDANDAH, RUTHERGLEN, CHILTERN AND DISTRICTS
NORTH EAST
January 24, 2014
available online - wangarattachronicle.com.au
PRINTED FORTNIGHTLY — VOLUME 440
Lexus ES line
NISSAN PATHFINDER: It takes a new change in direction.
Storypage5
A softer path for Nissan Pathfinder T
here’s yet more sad news for the fans of big, rugged, down-and dirty offroad 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. 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
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY 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. 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. 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 leatheraccented 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. 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. 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.
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