Nissan Pathfinder powers up
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3rd June, 2010
The new Nissan Pathfinder has arrived and boasts
class-leading turbodiesel torque from its enhanced 2.5 litre engine, lifting it above its immediate
competitors in the medium SUV segment.
With improved equipment levels across the three model grades, a revised interior and freshened
exterior styling, the adventure-friendly, seven-seat new Nissan Pathfinder will be more popular than
ever.
Beefier turbo-diesel torques up towing
The headline news is the update to the already well-liked YD25 turbo-diesel powerplant. The 2.5 litre
capacity is unchanged, but peak power output rises to 140 kW, up 14 kW or 11 per cent in the new YDK3
engine and maximum torque 'muscles' its way to 450 Nm, a 12 per cent improvement (up from 403 Nm).
This engine will be available across the three model grade Nissan Pathfinder range, in ST, ST-L and
Ti guises, and it out-muscles most of Pathfinder’s traditional rivals.
The new Nissan Pathfinder turbo-diesel engine not only boosts increased output, making it all the more
enjoyable to drive off-road, it can tow loads of up to 3,000 kg effortlessly (trailer with brakes).
Furthermore, fuel consumption and emission levels have declined, while overall refinement improves.
Fuel consumption has improved as well, with the manual transmission model achieving a creditable 8.5
litres/100 km combined (a 15 per cent improvement over the former YD25 engine), while the automatic
transmission equipped models achieves 9.0 l/100 km combined.
Overwhelming demand for diesel power by Pathfinder buyers sealed the fate of the previous petrol
powerplant for the Pathfinder range.
Fresh 'face' for Pathfinder
The revised Nissan Pathfinder has a new 'face' thanks to a revised bonnet, grille and a new bumper
assembly. Adding 80 mm to Pathfinder’s length, the bumper is more rounded and lends a more sporting and
modern touch to the car.
Further enhancements include a new headlight design and Ti models now feature Xenon headlights for
improved illumination at night and in poor visibility. The Xenon headlights also boast auto levelling and
headlight washers concealed in the bumper moulding.
New Nissan Pathfinder ST-L and Ti models add electric folding door mirrors.
The new Pathfinder also adopts a new bumper design at the rear with squared off edges to give a larger
and lower mass for a more stable, 'tougher' appearance.
New interior impresses on sight
Changes to the Nissan Pathfinder’s welcoming cabin boost the impression of quality and include a
completely revised central dash cluster. There are also revised door trims, new seat fabric, including
leather seat trim for ST-L models and chrome highlights.
Nissan Pathfinder ST-L customers will also enjoy further features previously restricted to the Ti
models; electrically adjustable and heated front seats, as well as driver seat and door mirror memory
settings.
For Nissan Pathfinder Ti customers, previous wood grain trim is replaced by a more modern and fresh
metallic trim, complete with revised dials and all-wheel-drive switchgear controls.
User-friendly technology update
Nissan Pathfinder brings many exciting technological enhancements to the range, giving it a competitive
edge in the very busy medium SUV segment.
All new Nissan Pathfinder models are equipped with a Bluetooth® handsfree phone system (with compatible
phone models), controlled via the touch of a button from the steering wheel Bluetooth® controls.
All models now also include audio controls on the steering wheel (new for ST models) and these are now
illuminated for improved visibility and ease of use.
The ST model adds a 6 CD in-dash auto-changer, while all models add an auxiliary MP3 player input jack
for plug and play functionality for iPod and iPhone.
For the up-spec ST-L and Ti models, the Nissan Intelligent Key is included, allowing keyless entry for
added convenience, while the ST-L model adds the rear parking sensors previously fitted to Ti models.
The top-of-the-range Nissan Pathfinder Ti gains a significant technological enhancement, in the form
of the latest Nissan IT innovation: a communication and music system featuring a hard drive-based Satellite
Navigation system complete with touch screen control, 3D navigation guide and local points of interest
information. All these functions are displayed via a large-scale 7 inch colour screen.
This extensively featured entertainment system includes a 9.3GB “Music Box” hard drive, which allows
drivers to rip their CD collection straight onto the system’s hard drive. There is an auxiliary MP3 player
input jack, as well as full iPod (or USB storage device) connectivity via a USB connection.
When an iPod is connected to the system, it may then be controlled via the colour display and touch
screen, allowing easy selection of songs, playlists and artists.
The Ti model’s entertainment system capabilities mean only a single CD slot is required; the player is
able to read DVDs, and plays vision through the centrally mounted screen (only when the handbrake is applied
for safety reasons).
A further new feature is the fitment of a reversing camera to Ti models as standard. This camera provides
Predictive Path Technology to aid reversing.
The popular rear seat DVD entertainment unit continues as part of the Ti model specification.
Safety first
The Nissan Pathfinder is already well specified in terms of safety equipment, including standard Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC) and front and side airbags, but the new Pathfinder upgrades build on this in a
meaningful way, adding curtain airbags to the ST-L models.
Specification Changes Summary
The new Nissan Pathfinder ST model adds:
- New diesel engine with improved power, torque, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
- Significant interior styling upgrade
- Freshened frontal styling and new rear bumper
- Bluetooth® hands free phone system
- Illuminated audio and Bluetooth® steering wheel controls
- Auxiliary MP3 player input
- 6 CD in-dash auto-changer
- Dual zone climate control air-conditioning
- Indicator lights located in door mirrors
The Nissan Pathfinder ST-L models add all the above plus:
- Curtain airbags
- Leather seat trim
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Driver seat and door mirror memory
- Electric folding door mirrors
- Intelligent Key keyless entry
- Reversing sensors
The Nissan Pathfinder Ti model adds all the above plus:
- Satellite Navigation system with colour display and 7-inch touch screen
- 9.3GB Music Box hard drive
- Full iPod connectivity (or USB storage device) via USB connection and touch screen display
- Reversing camera with Predictive Path Technology
- Xenon headlights with washers
- Front DVD player
- Rear seat DVD entertainment unit
Previously fitted reversing sensors and 6-stacker CD superseded by equipment upgrade.
The new Nissan Pathfinder is further defined by the addition of two new metallic paint colour
choices, Sand Storm and Thunder Blue. They join Midnight Black, Arctic White, Silver Lightning,
Tuscan and Blue Velvet. Graphite Grey has been discontinued.
The bottom line
With significantly more power and torque from its new more efficient diesel engine, its fresh
face and improved interior styling coupled with valuable and practical additional features, the
new Nissan Pathfinder is even more competitive than ever.
Despite the depth of changes and additions, the price of the Pathfinder ST model, in both manual
and automatic transmission guise, remains unchanged, starting from $48,490* (plus dealer delivery
and statutory charges).
Reflecting a substantial uplift in specification, including the addition of leather upholstery
and curtain airbags, the price of the Pathfinder ST-L models rise by $3,500 to start from $56,490*,
while the range-topping Ti model with its Xenon headlights, satellite navigation, Music Box hard
drive, reversing camera and swag of additional technical and luxury features now starts at $65,990*,
a rise of just $2,750.
New Nissan Pathfinder Pricing (as of June 2010)
ST Manual $48,490*
ST Diesel Auto $51,490*
ST-L Diesel Manual $56,490*
ST-L Diesel Auto $59,490*
Ti Diesel Auto $65,990*
NOTE: * Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP) does not include options, dealer delivery fees or
the state/territory imposed statutory charges.
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