Revised Nissan Pathfinder 4x4

The Nissan Pathfinder range has recently been revised for 2007. The 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine has been dropped from the range and the 2.2-litre turbodiesel unit now gives way to a new 2.5-litre Euro IV-compliant engine.

With over 90% of 4x4s sold having diesel engines there seems very little point in keeping petrol options in the model line up. Nissan expects the Pathfinder to attract around 3,000 UK sales this year.

The DNA of the Pathfinder is its mid-size, five- or seven-seat options, go-anywhere 4x4 traction and affordability. Throw in Nissan’s renowned build quality and reliability and already you have a sensible package. Prices start at £22,995 and rise up to £29,895 for the top of the range Aventura fully ‘specced’ model with automatic transmission.

They all share the same 2.5-litre 171PS four-cylinder turbodiesel second-generation direct-injection engine matched to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions, depending on the trim level chosen.

There are three trim levels, basic workhorse ‘Trek’ to mid-market ‘Sport’ to business-executive ‘Aventura’. I’d probably go for the Sport with auto transmission priced at £26,895, which would be a good combination vehicle for country, town and motorway use.

I can see country people wanting a rugged 4x4 sticking with the cheapest version, it makes good financial sense. It is a really good performer offroad with its all-mode 4x4 system, two- and four-wheel drive, high- and low ratio-options, all at the turn of a switch. Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are additional transmission aids fitted as standard to automatic models.

My test model was the Aventura with auto transmission clearly aimed at the business market and probably well suited to a dual role as a company car during the week and a family recreational vehicle at weekends. This model lacks for nothing in specification, everything from seven seats to leather upholstery, heated front seat, air conditioning, full sound system, automatic headlights and wipers, satellite navigation and even a colour rear view camera to assist reversing.

The seating for seven is arranged via three rows and all seating positions have anti whiplash head restraints. With simple actions the two middle rows of seats fold individually or together to form a completely flat floor to give a large 2,091 litres of cargo space.

Legroom in the middle and third rows is not especially large, definitely more suited to children than adults. With all seats occupied the luggage area is relatively small, just reminding us that this is a mid-sized 4x4. It may not have the road presence of some of the current large 4x4 monsters but it is easier to park and to use on narrow roads.

The new Pathfinder now has a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, up from the previous 2.2-litre unit. More power and torque, a more refined and quiet power delivery are distinct improvements over the old unit. Power output is 171PS and maximum torque is 297lb ft from only 2,000rpm. Top speed is an acceptable 108mph with the 0-62mph dash covered in 11.8 seconds.

Not exciting or the best in its class but good enough for real country-life customers. Average fuel consumption is quoted as 26.9mpg but my model, heavily weighed down with executive specification, returned 29.5mpg for the week of average day-to-day type driving. That was pretty impressive for a 4x4 with automatic transmission.

As you would expect in the handling department there is the usual 4x4 bodyroll and fore-aft pitching but it was better than many. Ride comfort was good as well, no harsh spine bashing, it has a pretty absorbent set up.

The Pathfinder excels off-road. The 4x4 system is easy to use and if fitted with some grippy all-terrain tyres the vehicle would be a good off-road workhorse. For those who want a tow vehicle the Pathfinder has a braked towing capacity of 3,000kg.

Nissan Pathfinder 2.5dCi Aventura

Price: £29,895

Engine: 2.5-litre, four cylinder, direct injection turbodiesel, 171PS, 297Nm

Performance: 109mph, 0-62mph 11.8 seconds, 26.9mpg (29.5mpg actual), CO2 283 g/km

VED: Band G £215

For: Practical go anywhere ability, seven seats, comprehensive specification, well priced for Trek and Sport versions

Against: Will lack brand appeal for some, on road driving is rather 4x4 ‘old school’, auto box sluggish to change gear