Nissan is increasing its presence in the SUV market with the launch of the all new Nissan Pathfinder. The previous model shared a lot from its pick-up cousin the Nissan Navara.
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| Nissan Pathfinder |
This not only made it heavier but also gave it a funny looking rear end. The Pathfinder appeared more of a pick-up than an actual SUV.
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| Rear of the Navara |
The all new Pathfinder is now more refined than ever before thanks to an all new body construction process and weight saving measures.
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| Previous Nissan Pathfinder |
The new SUV is now made in what Nissan call the unibody platform, which basically means that all components used to make the Pathfinder are specifically designed for it and are not borrowed from any of its cousin (At least the Navaraness is gone).
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| Rear of the previous Pathfinder |
This combined with an all new advance drivetrain helps the Pathfinder loose more than 226kg and also give it amazing towing capabilities. However the ruggedness and off road capabilities found in the previous model, which I loved very much, remain instilled on the new SUV. The weight shedding has also help boost its overall fuel efficiency, to 11litres per 100km covered.
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| Nissan Navara |
The new Pathfinder has not only lost weight but is now even prettier. Its restyled front consists of an all new front grilled finished in chrome. Its new large headlamps are more elegant and stylish. They have turn signals integrated into them and provide better illumination on the road than ever before. Fog lamps are visible at each side of its new front lower air intake.
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| Wider side with unique styled wheels |
The front has also been angled to make the all new Pathfinder more dynamic to look at while giving it better aerodynamic capabilities. At the side are distinct designed alloy wheels. The sit gracefully at the bulging side body panels that help give the SUV an overall wide look.
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| Restyled front headlamps |
The restyled doors are classy to look at and make it appear more of an SUV than a pick-up. Chrome panels are visible on the door handles and below its restyled doors, giving the Pathfinder a luxury feel. At the rear are restyled rear lights.
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| Magnificent rear with lovely chrome touches |
The rear windshield has also been restyled while a huge rear spoiler is visible as well. Below the chrome boot lid is another chrome strips that gives the rear a magnificent look. A panoramic dual-panel moonroof is also fitted. This has a sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows. The glass roof combined with the large windows helps to create an open airy environment to the interior.
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| Climate control system |
Under its curvy bonnet is an all-new 3.5 litre DOHC V6 engine that has a total output of 260hp. The engine is married to an Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The CVT provides smooth and “stepless” ratio changes, unlike conventional transmission systems that use sets of fixed gears.
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| Dual-panel monoroof |
It also requires no gears as the system uses power from the engine plus a computer to determine the speed the car is supposed to travel. This hence allows for a quicker and smoother acceleration of the car without loss of power. The use of the system also helps the Pathfinder achieve is new fuel efficient capabilities. Power is sent to either the front wheel in 2WD versions and to all the four wheels in 4WD versions. The Pathfinder also comes with a selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD modes if fitted with an ALL-MODE 4×4-i system.
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| ALL MODE 4×4-i system selector knob |
There is room inside for 7 occupants. The seats are covered in high premium fabric or leather. The front seats are heated and cooled while the steering is also heated. Thanks to the increased size compared to the previous model, the new Pathfinder interior has more headroom, legroom and also increased boot space.
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| Advance Drive Assist System |
The boot space can be increased thanks to 3rdrow recline seats. A system called EZ Flex Seating System with LATCH AND GLIDE provides a 2nd row tip-up seat for use with a child safety seat. It also provides easy access to the 3rd row while keeping the child seat securely fastened to the 2ndrow seats.
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| Easily accessible 3rd row seats |
The system also automatically folds the 2nd row seats automatically and quickly compared to the traditional manual seat folding system. An all new Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display located in the center of the instrument display features a 4-inch color display that is customizable and easy-to-use. It displays information about the Pathfinder to the driver.
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| Plenty of boot space |
A separate touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, acts as the infotainment system that offers navigation, vehicle multimedia functions and settings. The multimedia functions include a powerful 13-speaker Bose Premium Audio System with a huge subwoofer located at the back.
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| Huge sub-hoofer at the back |
The infotainment system can connect with a mobile phone via Bluetooth to offer a hands-free phone system. There are also auxiliary inputs for compatible USB and audio players. Other available extras are Dual-Zone Climate Control, RearView Monitor, and remote engine start.
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| Infotainment system |
The Nissan Pathfinder will be available in 4×4 and 4×2 drive configuration and in four unique models. There is the S, SV SL and the top of the range Platinum with all the luxuries Nissan can fit in the Pathfinder.
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| Plenty of room for seven occupants |
Nissan have worked their magic on the Pathfinder and for the first time, it can be regarded as an all-round SUV and not a ‘covered version’ of a pick-up truck.
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| Now looks more like an SUV rather than a ‘covered pick-up’ |
Prices start at $29,025 (Kshs. 3 million excluding taxes). I can’t wait to experience its roomy interior and classy exterior on Kenyan soil. More details from DT. Dobie soon.
more details about the CVT transmission system available here http://www.greencarcongress.com/2011/10/nissan-20111013.html (Green Congress website)
