https://soundcloud.com/db_drivenmedia/nissan-pathfinder-a-foot-in-both-camps
The biggest percentage growth in the SUV market has been for the compact vehicles but at this stage the large SUVs still maintain the biggest sales numbers overall.
They also have the largest range of vehicles with customers having the choice of 35 models from the cheapies to the luxury brands.
Nissan has recently released a new Pathfinder. In percentage terms sales are skyrocketing. Overall they are in 8th place well behind market leaders the Toyota Prado and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. But they have sold three times the number this year than they did last year so they must be doing something right.
To find out more about this let’s talk to Brent Davison from the Newcastle Herald and the Illawarra Mercury who’s just back from a trip to South Korea.
Brent the large SUV market has a mixture of family type vehicles (the Holden Captiva Toyota Kluger) and vehicles with rugged off-road capability (Prado and Pajero). Which direction in the Nissan Pathfinder going in?
- You can get the Pathfinder in 2 Wheel drive
- No diesel – ENGINE: 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 – 190kW@6400rpm – 325Nm@4400rpm
- CVT gear box
- Two wheel drive struggles for grip – problem with most big SUVs that are not two wheel drive.
- Seven seater (only two adults in the third row of seats) – plenty of room – more room than say the Sante Fe. Helped by a space saver spare which you access from under the vehicle
- The second-row has ventilation controls and air vents in the second and third rows
- Fuel is rated at 9.9 l/100 for 2WD and 10.2 l/100km for 4 WD
- Weight is 1960 kg
- The Pathfinder has scored a top five-star ANCAP crash rating, and includes a tyre pressure monitor, six airbags including side curtain ones that extend to the third row, and all the expected electronic stability control and braking aids.
- Price starting from $39,990 and goes up to $65,090
- Within the above range optional four wheel drive adds about $4000 to the price.
- Optional $2300 “Around View” 360-degree external camera package that includes a top-quality 13-speaker Bose stereo system with internal flash drive, and larger eight-inch touch-screen with satellite navigation.
