The first Nissan Pathfinder introduced in 1987 blazed the trail for sport-utility vehicles in the region. Two decades down the line it still enjoys a high reputation for durability, reliability and quality. The all new Nissan Pathfinder is bigger, bolder and now with three-row seating & powerful 4.0-liter V6 engine it captures the spirit of the families who have an appetite for leisure and adventure in their Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
The new Pathfinder remains true to its adventure roots with an all-new larger, more powerful design featuring, for the first time, three-row seating, along with enhanced off-road capabilities and improved performance driven by the use of a new 4.0-liter version of the award-winning Nissan VQ-series V6 engine and a new fully boxed, all-steel frame. The Pathfinder’s interior is stylish and roomier, with innovative features that active families are sure to appreciate.
After its reveal in the regional Motor Shows held end of 2005 in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and UAE, the long awaited new Pathfinder has just reached the Middle East Markets. The new Pathfinder was the star of the Motor Show and captured the attention of SUV lovers looking for something outstanding in this category.
“We strengthened the original Pathfinder concept by providing what we believe is the best balance of off-road and on-road capabilities and utility in class,” said Toru Hasegawa, Managing Director, Nissan Middle East, FZE. “Each of our five Nissan SUVs has a specific role in the lineup. With the success of Murano as our true crossover SUV, were able to utilize the strengths of the F- platform in creating the new Pathfinder a highly capable, mid-sized adventure vehicle for highly active families.”
Expressive Exterior Styling
“The styling of the new Pathfinder gives it a tough but modern appearance. It projects an authentic 4x4 adventure feeling, yet with a relaxed attitude that implies an athletic leanness rather than overt force,” said Hasegawa. “The new Pathfinder has also grown in nearly every dimension, though it retains its manageable size that is ideal for many buyers – neither too big nor too small.”
New exterior features include a new roof rack design with integrated forward and rear grips and an updated, clean-cut rear tailgate design with flip-up rear glass hatch opening. Other exterior features include available side running boards and power slide and tilt sunroof.
The new Pathfinder features a longer wheelbase (2850 mm) for enhanced roominess, ride comfort and stability, while its manageable overall length (4775 mm) and short front and rear overhangs enhance maneuverability for around town or driving on off-road trails.
A Flexible Three-Row Interior Design
The new Pathfinder continues the Nissan SUV tradition it originated in providing an interior environment designed to enhance active family lifestyles. The addition of the 3rd row seat gives Pathfinder 7-passenger seating, along with outstanding passenger/cargo flexibility. The split fold-down 2nd and 3rd row seats can be folded down individually, combining with the fold-down front passenger seat to provide up to 64 different seating/cargo configurations. The 2nd row seat, for example, features a 40/20/40 split feature with a one-touch release lever for easy access to the 3rd row.
The 50/50 split 3rd row seat folds down into the floor, allowing complete passenger/cargo use spontaneity, and the adjustable head restraints (2nd and 3rd rows) do not need to be removed to fold down the seats. . The Dual Zone Auto front A/C and independent rear AC is one from the long list of available comfort and convenience features continues Pathfinder’s longstanding reputation for attention to driver and passenger needs. Another feature of the new Pathfinder's interior is the hidden storage area located under the 2nd row seats, one of many areas designed to help hold the accessories of an active lifestyle
Other available features include leather-appointed seats, power sunroof, 6 CD Changer, power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats with driver memory package, leather-appointed steering wheel, and choice of chrome / wood-toned interior.
“The new Pathfinder's interior offers both function and room for cargo and passengers,” said Hasegawa. “It's a great space and great facilitator for family adventures or personal pursuits.”
Class Leading Performance
The All-new Nissan Pathfinder combines rugged body-on-frame construction with the superior ride and handling characteristics of 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.
Utilizing the "F-Alpha" platform as a basis, the Pathfinder builds from a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame and adds an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension with coil-over shocks and stabilizer bar. In the rear, an independent rear double-wishbone suspension design with the coils located on the toe control link (offset spring and shock) with stabilizer bar improves ride quality and optimizes handling, especially on rough road terrain.
Powering the new Pathfinder is a standard 4.0-liter DOHC V6, delivering a class-leading 291 horsepower and 47.1 kg-m of torque. The new engine is part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series found in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima and Murano. The engine features a longer stroke than the 3.5-liter version (92.0 mm versus 81.4 mm) and has been specifically tuned for SUV and truck applications.
Like others in the VQ series, the new 4.0-liter version includes such advanced design features as Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO, Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler, lightweight aluminum block and platinum-tipped spark plugs.
Every new Pathfinder is equipped with an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission. The transmission features a “super wide” gear ratio for good acceleration performance, while a Direct Control System helps provide smooth shift quality.
Pathfinder is available with a Shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive (part time), electronically controlled system with dash mounted switch operation.
Other driveline components of the new Pathfinder include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) Available wheels include a choice of 16-inch steel, 16 or 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The new Pathfinder's list of safety features and equipment includes Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor), and 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. Standard are 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including the 2nd row center position and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The all-new Nissan Pathfinder is offered in a choice of four models: XE, SE, SE+ and LE. Every model comes complete with standard three-row seating, 4.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission.
Nissan is one of the few global automakers to offer a full range of SUV’s in all the major markets worldwide – ranging from full-size to compacts. Its 4x4 lineup in the region is significant in size and scope with bold expressions of the Nissan brand all the way. These elements are fittingly imbibed in the entire SUV line-up comprising of the full size - Armada, King of All Terrain - Patrol, the futuristic and stylish – Murano, the dynamic - X-Trail and now completing the family is the exciting and enterprising – all new Nissan Pathfinder.
The All New Nissan Pathfinder is on sale in the GCC showrooms. The GCC model is assembled at Nissan's award-winning Smyrna, Tennessee manufacturing facility. Engines are supplied by Nissan’s nearby Decherd, Tennessee engine facility. The new Pathfinder is sold in more than 150 countries across the globe.
