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The Nissan Pathfinder is a no-nonsense, practical vehicle that will take care of your daily needs and a little bit more
Aninda Sardar

One of the hazards of testing a 4WD is to get carried away by the off-road jargon that often accompanies all such vehicles. While a 4WD's abilities off the tarmac is important, the truth is that the car's regular usability is more significant for most people. They may be impressed by the fact that the car could climb a steep incline of loose pebbles but are also likely to be more interested in something as mundane as the vehicle's boot space. And that brings us to Nissan's new Pathfinder.

The Pathfinder XE that we tested is an extremely usable car. From the way the power is delivered by the VQ40DE four-litre V6 engine to the cosy interiors, this vehicle is designed for regular use. It is at ease among workhorses. To start where one should, the power delivery is crisp and instant. There is no sudden surge of power as you hit the proverbial powerband. Instead you find a massive amount of torque spread out evenly. Press down on the throttle and this becomes evident as the car takes off smoothly with power throughout the rev range. The manner in which the horses are released from the V6 nestling under the bonnet never fails to remind you that this is not a car that was built for speed. Make no mistake, the massive 291hp is more than capable of scaring people should you choose to push this machine to its limits, but it is more at ease in its mid-range, cruising. The high torque will let you gobble those upward slopes without requiring so much as half an extra rev. There is never any dearth of usable power from the engine that purrs gently when idling.

The handling and braking, though adequate, are not as good. Entering a corner fast, there is a hint of body roll that increases as you head towards the apex of the bend. Its SUV pedigree, which guarantees it a high centre of gravity and a certain amount of handicap in tight turns, means that the car will handle excellently where most hard-cornering sports cars will be loathe to go. The handling improves when you engage four-wheel drive, which can be activated by turning a little knob near the gearshift lever. On tarmac, if you are approaching a tight bend, we recommend nonetheless that you ease off the throttle before entering the turn lest you unsettle this otherwise gentle giant. The sheer weight of the car also means that stopping requires quite an effort. The four ventilated anti-lock disc brakes are sufficient in bringing this two-tonne vehicle to a halt. A bit more bite in the brakes won't hurt, however.

While the handling may not be the best in class, Pathfinder makes up for that in its plush ride quality. There is enough feedback from the steering and even the pedals without detracting from the quality of the ride. Small bumps on the road can only be felt as twitches in the steering wheel that remind the driver that the road is not quite smooth.

The passengers remain blissfully unaware of such trifles. The independent double wishbone suspension does feel a shade soft if you push down on the pedal hard from a standing start as the front rises quite a bit before the car takes off, but with such sheer amounts of torque and weight this is to be expected. The suspension is capable enough of absorbing most shocks that the road, and beyond, might throw at the Pathfinder.

As you move from the mechanicals to issues like comfort, ergonomics, headroom and boot space earlier impressions of usability are only reinforced. Evidently, a great deal of care has been taken to design and construct this car. Nissan seems to have thought of almost everything. There are cup holders scattered around the vehicle for all those cans of soda that you might consume on a long drive. The relation between the steering wheel, the gearshift lever and the pedals is more than comfortable. A small covered box between the driver's and front passenger seats offers a degree of safety for your personals from inquisitive children, while the thoughtful inclusion of a power outlet in the box means that you can charge any electrical equipment without the need to keep it in the open.

To say that the Pathfinder is spacious will be quite an understatement. Inside, there is more than enough room for six passengers. Even with the front seats pressed back for maximum leg space in front, it does not get uncomfortable at the back. However, this comes at the cost of boot space. Without folding the third row of passenger seats, there is only enough boot space for a couple of medium sized suitcases or your weekend shopping. Fold the last row down and there is a sudden transformation. The just about sufficient boot space becomes a voluminous cavern that will hold nearly all that you will ever want to carry.

So, is the Nissan Pathfinder worth the money you pay for it? Yes it is. The three versions of the car, starting with the base version XE model to the top end LE, are priced between RO12,300 and RO14,250. For such prices you get choices like power memory seats, leather upholstery, wooden console and even power adjustable pedals.
Overall, the verdict is that the new Pathfinder is a very practical buy. It is a big car, which means you will be able to see what's beyond most cars in front. It will do everything that you ever ask it in its dispensation of regular duties and will even absorb the occasional abuse of a trip down a wadi. It is super comfortable and has a great ride aided by a very refined powerplant.What it will not do is make every small trip a matter of sheer excitement. But that would be a small price to pay for such a practical and usable car.

Available at: Suhail Bahwan Automobiles Tel +968 24 560111