NISSAN boasts an impressive track record for off-road vehicles. Whether we’re talking Patrol, Hardbody, Navara, X-Trail or Qashqai, all are proficient. The Pathfinder might not be the most popular of this family, but it shares the same DNA. Joining the existing LE and V9X models, the new SE version brings this off-roader within reach of a wider motoring audience, with a lower spec level, including the omission of the third row of seating, and a reduced level of luxury features.
You might expect an entry-level offering to make use of a less impressive powertrain, but the robust-feeling 2,5-litre turbodiesel is retained, producing 140 kW at 4 000 r/min with 450 N.m at 2 000 r/min. These figures are strong enough for any purpose, including serious towing. Independent suspension is used front and rear and is tuned for a soft ride that soaks up bumps very well, but Nissan has retained the ladder frame chassis for extra strength. This has two opposing consequences – the floor is high and foot space therefore compromised but, on the plus side, the Pathfinder has a maximum tow rating of 3 000 kg, so it makes an excellent transporter of equine beasts.
The engine is slightly clattery at idle, with a quite pleasant turbo whistle, but the powertrain does quiet down once the Pathfinder is on the move. When cruising at gentle speeds, the engine shifts to the next gear at under 2 000 r/min, (fifth gear is selected at a low 70 km/h), exhibiting some roughness that disappears as soon as that point in the rev range is passed. This is not a big issue, but it drops the refinement score a bit. That said, the automatic transmission does have a manual mode so you can choose the shift points. The gearbox exhibits a fair deal of torque-converter slip but progress is smooth and some wheel spin is even evident in sprint-acceleration runs. The Pathfinder despatched the 0-100 km/h run in a scant 11,39 seconds.
Steering feel is as close to perfect as can be achieved for a vehicle of this size and technical make-up, while a simple rotary knob to the right of the gear lever selects rear-wheel drive, auto, four-wheel high and four-wheel low modes. Large 17-inch alloys wrapped in 255/65-profile Goodyear Wrangler tyres suit both on-and off-road conditions.
The interior setup retains the size and layout of the seven-seat Pathfinders, but drops the third row. However, triple-zone air-conditioning is retained. The cloth covering the seats is plush and comfy in warmer climates, but will prove more difficult to clean than the leather trim fitted to more expensive models. The driver-seat height adjustment is rudimentary, with two knobs lowering the front and rear of the squab, and the large transmission tunnel intrudes somewhat on the front foot well. Except for the tight rear foot room, the second row of seats provides lots of space for three adult passengers.
The luggage area has under-floor storage bins (they are rather shallow) and extra side pockets for water bottles and oddments remain from the LE models. The front passenger seat folds flat for the transportation of long items, and the rear seats include a solid flap that renders the floor completely flat when these are folded forward. There is no standard parcel shelf, but one can be ordered, and the hatch has a separately opening window for loading smaller items. What is surprising (and showing the age of the design) is the omission of a USB port (there’s just an aux-in port), but Nissan compensates with a six-CD front loader.
ABLS
Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) has the same effect as locking the front and rear differentials by detecting spin on any of the wheels. Immediately applying that wheel’s brake automatically redirects torque to the opposite side. Coupled with a mechanically locked centre diff (by selecting 4H or 4L), this provides worry-free off-road capability.
Test Summary
The Pathfinder is arguably the most robust in appearance of all its rivals and has a tried-and-tested solidity to it that engenders long-term ownership. It also offers above-average refinement and should make an excellent towing vehicle. The SE’s pricing is a lot keener than that of the LE diesel (R571 900) and, at R475 200, it competes very favourably with the Toyota Fortuner, Chev Trailblazer, Ford Everest and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Owing to a combination of strong points and strong value, it surprised by coming out tops in its segment during voting.
