Driving Nissan’s new Pathfinder SUV – the all-wheel-drive seven-seat Ti-L
flagship at $81,490. Utilising the previous generations’ 3.5-litre V6 engine but with
several refinements including improved economy and better acceleration, now
linked to a new smooth shifting nine-speed automatic. A big SUV, visually
refreshed with a very comfortable and well-furnished interior, not inexpensive but
with a stack of comfort and convenience equipment including full leather trim, tri-
zone air-conditioning, a 13 speaker Bose sound system, a colour head up display,
power, heated and ventilated front seats and a power sunroof. Performance wise,
the new nine-speed auto has breathed new life into the trusty V6 and for a large
SUV it displays some real punch under acceleration – I managed a not so brilliant
11.7L/100km economy on 91 grade petrol with a mix of driving but it is a big SUV
at 2083kilos. The drive most satisfying and despite its bulk and weight shrinks
around you on road with nice ride and handling. Biggest gripe and it came from
my short waisted wife – the passenger seat has no seat height adjustment – a
fairly typical complaint today with most SUV’s and it’s a valid one. Apart from that
the latest Nissan Pathfinder is a big improvement. I’m David Berthon

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