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Nissan blends bits from Japan, Spain and France in a rugged seven-seat 4WD package. NEIL DOWLING reports. July 2011

ROCKETING SUV sales seem to have left the genuine 4WD stuck in the mud.
In comparison with SUVs, they are specialised and competent in the dirty world away from bitumen.
They are also comparatively expensive. The new Nissan Pathfinder Ti550 costs $75,990 – probably a lot more than you expected to pay.

VALUE: The Spanish-made Pathfinder is a sibling of the Navara dual-cab ute and now – as the Ti550 – gets the option of a Renault 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and dual-range, part-time 4WD system. Add leather, the latest music storage unit within the extensive infotainment and navigation system, plus a sunroof, and the dollars add up.
The Pathfinder is price comparative with what true offroaders buy – Prado, Discovery and Pajero.

DESIGN: This shape has been around for about six years. It’s purposeful and functional but looks dated compared with edgier designs from most rivals. The “hidden” rear door handles follow Alfa Romeo’s concept to de-clutter the lines but can be awkward to use for adults and impossible for some children.
Cabin treatment is simple but packed with features. The seven seats, which fold flush into the cargo floor, are irreplaceable for hauling friends of the family.
The full-size spare is tucked under the chassis.

TECHNOLOGY: This V6 diesel with a single turbo has been floating around in the Nissan-Renault alliance models. Its huge 550Nm of torque kicks in at 1750rpm.
Even better is the seven-speed sequential automatic that has enough cogs for brisk acceleration and long legs for touring. The drive system is part-time-it’s a rear-drive layout-with an electric dash switch to select 4WD High and 4WD Low.

SAFETY: The Navara version of the Pathfinder Ti 550 has a three-star rating but this wagon gets four stars. It adds six airbags, electronic stability control and all the other aids.

DRIVING: A big, bulky and slow 4WD wagon? No, it is remarkably quick. The slow steering ratio – lots of turns lock to lock for the benefit of dirt driving – is about the only thing that dulls the Pathfinder’s on-road verve.
It’s also quiet and relatively comfortable, though the seats are not its strong point.
Off the road it’s as if the bitumen never ended.
The big boots, gobs of low-end torque and the effective drive system make beaches and gravel pits too easy. Fuel consumption on test was 10.6L/100km, which gives a pleasing 760km range.

VERDICT: Climb over the price and the Ti 550’s space, 3500kg towing ability, off-road competence and reasonable economy can make a strong argument against its rivals, particularly the Prado.
The V6 is arguably less stressed than the $16,000-cheaper four-cylinder Pathfinder diesel and is therefore recommended for heavy duty work.

specs

Nissan Pathfinder Ti 550
Star: 3.5/5
PRICE: $75,990
WARRANTY: 3 years/100,000km
RESALE: 58 per cent
SERVICE INTERVAL: 15,000km/12 months
ECONOMY: 9.5L/100km; 256g/km CO2

EQUIPMENT: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC

CRASH RATING: 4-stars
ENGINE: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, 170kW/550Nm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed auto; 2-speed transfer case; part-time 4WD
BODY: 5-door, 7-seat
DIMENSIONS: 4813mm (L); 1848mm (W); 1784mm (H); 2853mm (WB)
WEIGHT: 2212kg
TYRE SIZE: 255/65R17
SPARE: Full-size

ON BALANCE:

We love: Features, off-road ability, performance

We loathe: Expensive, formless seats, poor rear seat comfort

SUV makers are becoming adept at surgery that cuts at the very heart of the genre – its all-wheel drive system. But there are benefits, as NEIL DOWLING reports. July 2011

HYUNDAI ix35 ACTIVE
PRICE: $28,990

VALUE: Good features but doesn’t match the Nissan for knick-knacks and family-focused ideas. Steel wheels are a bit of a let down, though six-speed automatic is a pearler. It matches the Nissan on most levels – cruise, iPod/USB audio and trip computer, but then runs out of entertainment for the kids. Star: 3.5/5

TECHNOLOGY: The six-speed auto is its highlight, though the 2.0-litre engine is clever in its ability to punch out 122kW/197Nm which makes it a more sparkly drive than the Nissan. Suspension systems are similar so handling is on par but X-Trail rides smoother. Star: 4/5

DESIGN: The ix35’s curves clash with the X-Trail’s boxy shape. While the Hyundai looks modern now, it may date quicker. Inside it’s swoopy and bright but silver plastics can scratch and fade. That said it’s all workable and easy to operate, albeit at 225mm shorter than the Nissan with less cargo area and rear seat room. Star: 4/5

SAFETY: Top shelf five-star crash rating with all the current electronic accoutrements, including six airbags, down hill brake control and hill start assist. Also has a full-size spare wheel so rates as a holiday wagon. Star: 4/5

DRIVING: Stylish lines lose some marks for visibility from the driver’s seat. Performance is good and auto really suits the engine, unless you’re in a hurry. It seems to be slightly noisier – tyres and engine – than the X-Trail and steering isn’t as confident. But keep with it and it hangs on through the corners. Comfort is good at cruising speed but suspension is prone to the jiggles over poor roads at low speeds. Star: 3/5

SCORE: 3.5/5

NISSAN X-TRAIL ST
PRICE: $30,990

VALUE: You miss out on all-wheel drive but not much else. Lots of value here with the CVT transmission, alloy wheels, four cooled cupholders and cool/heat glovebox, six-CD player with iPod/USB and Bluetooth, trip computer, cruise control and so on. Three-year warranty doesn’t match Hyundai’s five. Star: 4/5

TECHNOLOGY: There’s nothing to thrill here, though the 102kW/192Nm 2.0-litre engine is pleasantly efficient and durable. The CVT auto isn’t as responsive as a conventional auto but it does get better economy than a manual. Star: 3.5/5

DESIGN: The X-Trail’s boxy shape is more about space efficiency than style. There’s lots of room inside and clever splitlevel boot has handy pull-out drawers. The rear seat is a 40/20/40 split, folds flat for extra cargo space and has a six-step recline for snoozers. Clever stuff that nails it for young families. Star: 4.5/5

SAFETY: Gets a four-star crash rating and has six airbags, electronic stability control and ABS brakes with brakeforce distribution, brake assist and other aids.
A full-size spare is standard. Star: 3.5/5

DRIVING: Box shape makes for great visibility and easy parking. The X-Trail is on the mark for ease of driving but the CVT auto needs more accelerator pressure to get moving and that initially makes the engine rev disproportionately high. Ride comfort is very good and handling is reasonable for a tall, front-drive wagon. It’s no racer and that’s what appeals in its role as an efficient, suburban-based family car. Star; 3.5/5

SCORE: 4/5

VERDICT: Park these together and the prize for looks goes to the ix35.
But pragmatists will see that Nissan’s box opens to reveal more features that may be more tuned to family or leisureoriented motorists.

ix35 – 18.5pts

X-Trail – 19pts

Comparo: NISSAN X-TRAIL vs HYUNDAI ix35

Comparo: NISSAN X-TRAIL vs HYUNDAI ix35