What they said when the Nissan Pathfinder was new… (Jul 29 2005)
IN 2003 Nissan unveiled its Dunehawk motor show concept car, a practical and good looking vehicle that pointed the way ahead in the sports utility marketplace.
Now, the ideas that made Dunehawk so special are on the streets in the Nissan Pathfinder, a large 4x4 aimed directly at adventurous families.
The Pathfinder can lead the way when it comes to transporting people and kit in pursuit of sailing, mountain biking, rock-climbing, trekking, paragliding , skiing and much more. Not to mention the school run.
The object of the Pathfinder was to mix mountain goat agility with family car comfort.
And this is what Nissan has done so admirably. But the Pathfinder excels in another area and that is equipment. The T-Spec model I drove was loaded with goodies including the latest version of DVD satellite navigation technology with new generation birdview technology.
Birdview navigation is shown on a seven inch full colour screen, providing a view with a depth of perspective. It's almost like flying in a helicopter behind your car, monitoring its progress on the road and seeing the next junction or town coming up on the horizon.
In addition, this system gives you the a high degree of detail with voice guidance and the latest in split screen technology. Motorway junctions to take are illustrated as a photograph with signage clearly displayed.
And most importantly, this smart system is extremely user friendly. Destinations take seconds to key in and during a week of intense use, it never failed once.
But this is just the start of the technology story with the Pathfinder. For instance it employs the latest in keyless technology. As long as the electronic fob is near the receiver, all you need to do is turn the starter.
Then there is the reversing camera. This gives a full colour television view of what's going on at the rear of the vehicle when reversing and uses audible sensors to tell you when an object is near.
Also the picture is visually calibrated for distance, in order to provide the maximum possible information for the driver.
It's an unusual thought, but are we wrong in referring to ultra-expensive sports cars as
supercars? Maybe the term could be better applied to a technologically accomplished all-rounder like the Pathfinder because it really is super-efficient.
And this vehicle is excellent value too. The Pathfinder kicks in at £24,000 for the S model and tops out at £31,960 for the T-Spec Automatic. My T-Spec six-speed manual would set you back £30,660.
Technology is only part of the all-rounder honours which this vehicle justly deserves. It is an accomplished five seater and all the rear seats fold flat.
I am quite surprised that the turbo-diesel power unit is just 2.5-litres. I would have thought something approaching three-litres would be more appropriate. But the engine, although noisy at tick-over, gives good account of itself and proved excellent at motorway cruising.
It is equipped with Nissan's all mode 4x4 system that is operated by a switch on the dash. It provides optimum traction for everyday cruising, maximum grip, moderate off-road and extreme off road.
If you have a light-footed approach to driving you can squeeze 31mpg out of this bruiser. And it also looks the part with its massive Nissan chrome grille and high-riding stance.
Words: Ian Johnson
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