New hybrid leads Nissan Pathfinder lineup

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

With the release of the Pathfinder Hybrid on to the New Zealand market, it all becomes clear as to why the new US-built monocoque model has not offered a diesel option.

Other reasons are that the Pathfinder now has no link with the Navara ute - the previous model shared power units and much of its underpinnings and was solidly linked in terms of styling too.

The new car is also a transverse-mounted front or all- wheel-drive proposition, and its North American sourcing meant that diesels were not high on the priority list.

There isn't really a price to pay, as the final diesel version of the previous Nissan Pathfinder - the 140kW/450Nm 2.5-litre four - was stickered at an eye-watering $76,900, while the new hybrid model asks $69,990, just $4000 more than the Ti petrol powered version of the model.

The new unitary-configured Pathfinder was launched in 2013 and with up to seven seats, front and all-wheel-drive and V6s with CVT transmissions, the model has gone very well.

The arrival of the first-ever Pathfinder Hybrid gives the Nissan sub-brand something of a flagship model, one with astonishing frugality and clean road manners as it happens.

Nissan says that as demand for high efficiency petrol-electric hybrid vehicles grows, particularly in the US and Japan, the Pathfinder offers what the company calls its 'innovation' approach that increases fuel economy and driving range with no reduction of its seven- passenger/third-row passenger space and cargo volume.

It certainly doesn't compromise performance either as, instead of the V6 that equips the rest of the Pathfinder lineup, the Hybrid is coupled to a supercharged version of the new Altima sedan's 2.5-litre petrol four- cylinder which works with a 15kW electric motor which takes its power from is a compact lithium- ion (Li-ion) battery.

Some hybrids' battery packs make them less than effective for passengers as often the third-row seats are the first to go, and in the US, the market for which the Pathfinder was designed, seven seats are the minimum requirement.

Nissan fits its Li-ion battery pack under, rather than instead of the third row of seats so there is no compromise in second or third row legroom or cargo space. Entry and exit to and from every seating row remains as easy and convenient as the V6 models too.

The Pathfinder's hybrid system uses what Nissan calls its 'Intelligent Dual Clutch System', which employs a 'one motor/two clutch parallel system' that manages input from both the electric motor and the petrol unit.

The electric motor and petrol engine work in tandem to provide performance at least on par with the petrol V6-powered Pathfinder and is rated at 188kW and 330Nm of torque - compared to the 3.5-litre V6's ratings of 190kW and 325Nm of torque.

The new Pathfinder Hybrid also uses a further developed version of Nissan's Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission. The result, says Nissan is fuel economy rated at 8.5 litres/100km - 17 per cent down on the V6-powered car. The Pathfinder Hybrid's 73-litre fuel tank provides a highway cruising range in the area of 870 kilometres.

The Pathfinder Hybrid also features regenerative braking to automatically return retardation energy to the battery during braking by converting kinetic energy, which is otherwise lost in the braking process as friction- generated heat.

Like the conventional Pathfinders, the Hybrid has selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes from Nissan's All-Mode 4x4-i system and the new car's standard towing rating is 1700kg in all-wheel-drive.

To help pick out the Pathfinder Hybrid against its conventional siblings, there are special model- specific LED tail-lights and Nissan Puredrive Hybrid badges.

In addition, special hybrid system information screens are added to the instrument panel's Advanced Drive-Assist Display, where a 4.2-inch colour monitor can show output readings from the electric motor and petrol engine, as well an indication of how much power is being regenerated back into the battery.

New powertrain aside, the Pathfinder Hybrid offers all the features of the standard car, like EZ Flex Seating with Latch and Glide, which allows the second seating row to tip up and slide forward, making access to the third seating easier.

'The Pathfinder Hybrid takes all the style, features, utility and amenities of its V6-powered counterpart and adds greater fuel efficiency and driving range without losing [any] of its real- world, everyday lifestyle- enhancing fun and flexibility,' says Nissan New Zealand managing director John Manley.

'As one of the most fuel- efficient Pathfinders ever, we believe it's a great addition to the 2014 Nissan lineup.'

Standard equipment includes full leather upholstery with double stitching, as well as leather door panels. The Hybrid also gets a tilt and slide front sunroof and large panoramic glass roof with shade cover in the rear, while both front seats are heated and get power adjustment.

The steering wheel is electrically adjustable and the exterior mirrors are heated, while the interior mirror has automatic anti-dazzle and a built-in compass.

Fog lights are added together with step lamps, side-guard mouldings and stainless kick plates.

The Pathfinder's recommended retail price is $69,990 (including GST) and it's available right away.