Competition within the crossover segment is taking a new dimension as the remodeled Nissan Pathfinder which is re-launched with a new R52 generation proposition and distinctively urbane-focused styling for the 2014 model year which have arrived Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria local dealership is set to shake rivals.

Unlike past three generation models and the nameplate’s 28-year history, the new Pathfinder casts aside its truck-like off-road roots for a more sophisticated, comfortable, car-based and family-ready crossover SUV.

Simply put, the Pathfinder has traded off its previous Navara-sourced ladder frame underpinnings in favour of a bitumen-bias unibody structure with ultra-flexible seven-seat cabin that Parvir Singh, the dealership’s managing director described as “perfect match for families.”

The new Pathfinder adapts to the needs of consumers by breaking away from its “proper off-roader” status to become urbane-friendly SUV with far more refined proposition yet offering a dramatically improved ride quality and fuel economy than its predecessor launched in 2004.

The predecessor model was a rugged truck-like-adept off-roader with remarkably towing capabilities but Nissan has transformed these characteristics to an SUV with comfortable cabin, improved fuel economy and aesthetically appealing looks.

That is why the new Pathfinder is built on a unibody structure shared with the equally new Infiniti JX crossover with a sliding second-row seat that can tilt and fold forward even with a child seat in place, making access to the adult-friendly third row much easier.

Targeting existing family favourites such as Toyota Prado, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX – 9 amongst others, the new Pathfinder adopts a 260-horsepower 3.5-litre V6, matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

And justifiably lighter than its predecessor, weighing 500 pounds – one factor in fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway and 22 combined, the new Pathfinder crossover SUV is currently ranked one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in a class that includes the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.

World class test drivers say though the Pathfinder has given up some towing capacity to its forbear, it can still tow 5000 pounds – an appreciable weight for a midsize, seven-passenger crossover whose primary duty, especially in Nigeria, won’t stray from pulling a mere cruise boat.

However, the test drivers profess that the new Pathfinder has a lot going for it, namely smooth performance, impressive fuel economy and a welcoming cabin, which according to them has a very strong appeal over competition.

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder R52 crossover SUV is available in four trim levels comprising the S, SV, SL and Platinum but only the ‘S’ (base) and ‘SV’ are available in the local market through Stallion NMN, Nigeria authorized Nissan distributor.

Standard equipment on the ‘S’ includes 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a height adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split second-row seat (slides, reclines and folds); a tilt-and-telescopic steering and a six-speaker sound system with six-CD changer.

The ‘SV’ adds automatic headlights, keyless ignition/entry, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a 7-inch colour multi-information display, a rear-view camera and an upgraded audio system with a single-CD player with satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface.

In terms of power-trains and performance, it is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 good for 260 hp and 240 pound-feet of torque. A CVT and front-wheel drive are standard. An optional all-wheel-drive system automatically apportions power between the front and rear axles as needed or allows the driver to lock in a 50/50 ratio.

EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 19/25/21 with 4WD coupled with standard safety features that include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Inside, the cabin is elegantly crafted and boasts quality materials as the luxury Infiniti JX brand, given the variety of rich finishes and easy to reach intuitive controls. Coupled with this is the seat comfort up front which is as good as the second row that slides and reclines to optimize comfort for passengers or cargo space.

MIKE OCHONMA 

Competition within the crossover segment is taking a new dimension as the remodeled Nissan Pathfinder which is re-launched with a new R52 generation proposition and distinctively urbane-focused styling for the 2014 model year which have arrived Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria local dealership is set to shake rivals.

Unlike past three generation models and the nameplate’s 28-year history, the new Pathfinder casts aside its truck-like off-road roots for a more sophisticated, comfortable, car-based and family-ready crossover SUV.

Simply put, the Pathfinder has traded off its previous Navara-sourced ladder frame underpinnings in favour of a bitumen-bias unibody structure with ultra-flexible seven-seat cabin that Parvir Singh, the dealership’s managing director described as “perfect match for families.”

The new Pathfinder adapts to the needs of consumers by breaking away from its “proper off-roader” status to become urbane-friendly SUV with far more refined proposition yet offering a dramatically improved ride quality and fuel economy than its predecessor launched in 2004.

The predecessor model was a rugged truck-like-adept off-roader with remarkably towing capabilities but Nissan has transformed these characteristics to an SUV with comfortable cabin, improved fuel economy and aesthetically appealing looks.

That is why the new Pathfinder is built on a unibody structure shared with the equally new Infiniti JX crossover with a sliding second-row seat that can tilt and fold forward even with a child seat in place, making access to the adult-friendly third row much easier.

Targeting existing family favourites such as Toyota Prado, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX – 9 amongst others, the new Pathfinder adopts a 260-horsepower 3.5-litre V6, matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

And justifiably lighter than its predecessor, weighing 500 pounds – one factor in fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway and 22 combined, the new Pathfinder crossover SUV is currently ranked one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in a class that includes the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander.

World class test drivers say though the Pathfinder has given up some towing capacity to its forbear, it can still tow 5000 pounds – an appreciable weight for a midsize, seven-passenger crossover whose primary duty, especially in Nigeria, won’t stray from pulling a mere cruise boat.

However, the test drivers profess that the new Pathfinder has a lot going for it, namely smooth performance, impressive fuel economy and a welcoming cabin, which according to them has a very strong appeal over competition.

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder R52 crossover SUV is available in four trim levels comprising the S, SV, SL and Platinum but only the ‘S’ (base) and ‘SV’ are available in the local market through Stallion NMN, Nigeria authorized Nissan distributor.

Standard equipment on the ‘S’ includes 18-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a height adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split second-row seat (slides, reclines and folds); a tilt-and-telescopic steering and a six-speaker sound system with six-CD changer.

The ‘SV’ adds automatic headlights, keyless ignition/entry, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, a 7-inch colour multi-information display, a rear-view camera and an upgraded audio system with a single-CD player with satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface.

In terms of power-trains and performance, it is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 good for 260 hp and 240 pound-feet of torque. A CVT and front-wheel drive are standard. An optional all-wheel-drive system automatically apportions power between the front and rear axles as needed or allows the driver to lock in a 50/50 ratio.

EPA fuel economy estimates are 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 19/25/21 with 4WD coupled with standard safety features that include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Inside, the cabin is elegantly crafted and boasts quality materials as the luxury Infiniti JX brand, given the variety of rich finishes and easy to reach intuitive controls. Coupled with this is the seat comfort up front which is as good as the second row that slides and reclines to optimize comfort for passengers or cargo space.

MIKE OCHONMA