Nissan's Pathfinder has always gone for a combination of luxury and no-nonsense off-road ability. So as driver demands increase — we always want more — the SUV has been upgraded for 2008 and now features new additions such as BOSE premium audio system and Bluetooth connectivity on all models.

The new BOSE Premium 10-speaker surround audio system with six-cd changer offers heightened clarity. An integrated Bluetooth hands free system further adds to the luxury and convenience.

The Bluetooth system, with memory function, allows you to synchronise your cellular phone with the vehicle. This means every time you enter the vehicle your phone will immediately integrate with the system providing clarity through the audio system.

Exterior styling has been enhanced by the addition of a new seven-spoke 17” alloy wheels design and wrap around turn signals on the side mirrors that also include puddle lamps. The wrap-around turn signals in front of the side mirror-housings provides a clear signal to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The embedded puddle-lamps encased below the side mirrors automatically switch on when the doors unlock and illuminates the ground below the front doors.

More toys

Hill-Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC), already standard equipment on the automatic derivatives, is now also available on the manual drive train. The HSA system prevents the vehicle from rolling back when on a steep incline. The HSA/HDC needs no driver intervention and can be disengaged to meet driving imperatives, improving safety both on-road and off-road.

Other enhancements include flat-blade wipers that replace the current model spring-loaded wipers, offering less maintenance and a better appearance. The addition of aluminium kicking plates on the doorsills and tailgate offers an aesthetic appeal but also protects against scuff marks and scratches.

Inside the cabin, new illumination lights have been included in the foot wells to facilitate entry while the metallic finishes on the centre console are scratch-resistance and now have a softer, satin-like feel. Plusher, hardwearing tuft carpets on the floor and in the trunk complete the revamp.

Home on the range

The Nissan Pathfinder range consists of three model derivatives. The range topping petrol-powered 4.0-litre V6 produces 198kW at 5600rpm and offers a torque peak of 386Nm at 4000rpm. Two diesel options are available with the choice of either a manual or automatic transmission, both are powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which produces 128kW at 4000rpm and a powerful 403Nm of torque at 2000rpm.

The addition of a three-year/90 000km Service Plan as a standard feature is added on all models, alongside the three-year/100 000km mechanical and paint warranty and three-year anti-corrosion warranty.

The Pathfinder features a seven-seat configuration with three rows of seats. The second and third rows fold flat into the floor to create a load area that can be configured in 64 different ways.

The All-Mode transmission with 4Hi and 4Lo allows the driver to choose between four different settings with the twist of a selector switch. Standard safety equipment comprises of front seatbelts with pretensioners, intelligent ABS designed to enhance off-road ability, and driver and passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags.