Nissan Pathfinder 4x4 Offers 3

Published: 5th November 2005

Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan’s recently launched Pathfinder teams MPV versatility with SUV ability and at a price that undercuts its rivals, a formula that added up with 4x4 magazine which voted it Best Medium Sized 4x4. Now Nissan has introduced three offers to help make potential buyers’ finances add up, too.

The Pathfinder S and SE will come with a free TomTom Go 300 navigation system, free rear parking sensors and free servicing and roadside recovery for four years. This little lot is worth more than £1200.
The Pathfinder SVE is available with a free Communications Pack. Normally a £2000 option, it adds Nissan’s famous DVD Birdview Europe-wide navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity, colour rear view parking camera, premium audio with MP3 compatibility and voice activation for navigation and phone operation. Handy. And free.
All Pathfinders are available with three years’ 0% finance. You have to pay a 30% deposit first which, taking the S version as an example, means £7350.

The Pathfinder features a robust body-on-frame design with the latest version of Nissan’s acclaimed ALL-MODE electronic four-wheel drive technology, a system that’s as easy to use as it is sophisticated. In normal road conditions, the Pathfinder behaves like a rear-wheel drive estate. However, should conditions worsen, additional drive to the front wheels is automatically engaged. It also incorporates ESP to stop the car getting into a skid and traction control. Coupled with a lower centre of gravity than its rivals, these systems make the Pathfinder a safe and easy car to control.

But despite its authentic SUV credentials, the Pathfinder is not a huge off-roader. At 4.74m long and 1.86m tall (including roof rails), it’s shorter than a Vauxhall Vectra Estate and little higher than a Chrysler Voyager MPV. Similarly the advanced 2.5-litre common rail diesel that powers the 174PS Pathfinder dCi is one of the more efficient large capacity engines on the market. It generates 238 g/km of C02 emissions which is exactly the same as an Audi TT 3.2. But the Nissan seats up to seven, the Audi barely two.

There are similar comparisons to be made over fuel economy. The Pathfinder dCi returns 31.4mpg on the combined cycle, much the same as a BMW 320Ci. It’s also less thirsty than a Vauxhall Vectra 2.0T Estate. And the latter has the same power output as the Pathfinder.

All Pathfinders get driver, passenger, front side and curtain airbags. On a lighter note, even the £24,500 S model has 17" alloy wheels, dual zone climate control air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, electric door mirrors and remote control central locking with Thatcham Category 1 ultrasonic and perimetric alarm. For another £1800, the SE adds roof rails, rear privacy glass, front fogs, second and third row folding seats giving seven person capacity, opening glass on rear hatch, easy clean cargo area, compass, trip computer, 6CD autochanger … and a bit more besides. To that can be added TomTom navigation, rear parking sensors and the four years Peace of Mind package.

The SVE adds fully colour-coded body, side steps, leather upholstery on all seven seats, electric heated front seats with memory, cruise control, auto wipers and headlights, and Nissan’s Intelligent Key system for another £2460. And don’t forget the free Communications Pack worth £2000 which includes integrated satellite navigation and colour rear view parking camera. There’s 0% finance, too.

Maybe the Pathfinder isn’t such a hard car to add up after all.