2005 Nissan Pathfinder: First Look

By The News Editor - 8/7/2005

Nissan Australia has announced the release of the all-new 2005 Pathfinder, a go-anywhere 4WD wagon which now offers both petrol and diesel engines, handsome design cues and a flexible 7-seat interior.

Unlike the new Murano, a soft-roader for all intents and purposes, the Pathfinder is a more rugged, and larger vehicle.

The 2005 Pathfinder now offers dynamic performance with the choice of two responsive powerplants. The potent 4.0-litre DOHC V6 petrol engine generates 198kW @ 5600rpm and 385Nm @ 4000rpm - not dissimilar to the Ford Falcon's 4.0-litre engine - and is mated to a smooth shifting 5-speed automatic transmission with manual sequential shift function.

The 4.0-litre V6 is a member of the VQ petrol engine family which includes the 3.5-litre V6 found in the 350Z sports coupe, Murano and Maxima sedan where the refinement, responsiveness and wide spread of instant, usable torque have proven very popular.

The flexible yet refined 2.5-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine generates 128kW @ 4000rpm and a credible 403Nm of torque @ 2000rpm and is available with a new 6-speed manual or the 5-speed automatic transmission.

Offering impressive off-road ability, the 2005 Pathfinder has a body-on-frame construction with a sturdy, fully boxed all-steel ladder chassis and the latest generation of Nissan’s highly sophisticated, electronically controlled ALL MODE 4x4 control system with rock-hopping low range gears.

Excellent on-road driving dynamics are enhanced by the front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension and anti-roll bars.

Sure-footed braking is supplied by ventilated discs front and rear, anti-lock braking system with brake assist and electronic brake distribution.

Styled in Japan and North America and manufactured in Spain, the 2005 Pathfinder offers the ruggedly handsome exterior expected of a Nissan four-wheel drive.

Based on the Dunehawk concept vehicle unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2005 Pathfinder bears Nissan’s signature four-wheel drive family grille and gently curving sides, narrower at roof and chassis level but wider at the belt-line to create extra interior space at elbow level.

The distinctive side- profile is dominated by a strong horizontal shoulder/window line that is broken by a sharply angled C-pillar. Short front and rear overhangs provide an approach angle of 33 degrees, departure angle of 26 degrees and excellent ground clearance of 211mm, highlighting the 2005 Pathfinder’s four-wheel drive heritage.

Inside, the clever design of the body provides generous shoulder and elbow room and an airy and comfortable, yet flexible cabin. An ergonomically designed, soft-touch dashboard and instrument cluster complement the interior finish, while the three rows of seats allow easy access and provide an extraordinary 64 different seating/cargo configurations.

Storage solutions abound, with a potential cargo length of 2.8 metres, two front-passenger glove boxes, under-seat storage boxes and a luggage capacity of 190 litres with all the seats in place, rising to 2091 litres with the second and third rows of seats lowered.

The 2005 Pathfinder provides a flexible range of specification gradients. The entry-level ST is available with either diesel or petrol powerplants and is generously equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS anti-lock brakes, dual airbags, air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric mirrors and windows, cruise control and CD/Tuner.

The mid-level ST-L – again available with both engines - adds 17-inch alloy wheels, Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, luxury cloth seat trim, leather trim to steering wheel and gear shift, dual zone automatic air-conditioning, roof rails, side steps, fog lamps and a 6-stacker CD/Tuner with steering wheel mounted audio controls.

Topping the 2005 Pathfinder’s line-up is the luxurious Ti model, available only with the petrol engine, which adds several features to the vehicles specifications, including side and curtain airbags, a tilt-slide sunroof, rear air-conditioning, rear seat DVD/MP3 player, wood grain trim, leather heated power seats and rear parking sensors.

Pricing on the 2005 Pathfinder starts at $44,990 for the manual Pathfinder ST turbo-diesel, the automatic is a $3000 option on all diesels. The Pathfinder ST V6 is priced from $47,990, the higher specified ST-L diesel is priced from $48,990 and the V6 petrol $51,990. The range topping Pathfinder Ti V6 petrol is priced from $58,990.

At the launch of the vehicle, Nissan’s product marketing manager, Michael Hayes, said that the 2005 Pathfinder now provides a real alternative for the adventure-oriented, active family.

"With its spacious seven-seat interior, generous levels of standard equipment and the choice of two impressive engines, the 2005 Pathfinder is the ideal lifestyle solution for energetic families seeking a vehicle to live, play and work in," Mr Hayes said.

"Add to that Pathfinder’s envious four-wheel drive ability, great driving dynamics, rugged styling, seemingly endless interior flexibility, and you have the ultimate freedom machine," enthused Mr. Hayes.

Pricing:

Diesel
Nissan Pathfinder ST Diesel $44,990
Nissan Pathfinder ST-L Diesel $48,990

Petrol
Nissan Pathfinder ST V6 Petrol $47,990
Nissan Pathfinder ST-L V6 Petrol $51,990
Nissan Pathfinder Ti V6 Petrol $58,990