Nissan Pathfinder 2.5 dCi Acenta 5dr Car Review - February 2012

Finding the ideal driving position is relatively easy thanks to the range of adjustment available on the driver’s seat. The steering column adjusts for height but not for reach. The dash is well laid out and functional, and visibility all round is generally good.

A 2.5-litre, 189bhp diesel engine is the only choice in the Pathfinder. Producing 332lb-ft of torque, it gives it plenty of low down pulling power. 0-62mph comes in 11.0 seconds and it will go on to a top speed of 115mph. Average fuel economy is a poor 33.2mpg and the engine is noisy, and gets noisier the more revs you give it. This model comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, which feels a bit vague at times too, but there’s an option for an auto gearbox on higher specification cars.

The four-wheel-drive function is switchable and the Pathfinder has real off-road abilities. In fact that’s where it’s most at home and performs best. On-road it’s a different story and is a disappointing drive. It suffers from obvious body lean in corners and its less than responsive steering makes it feel awkward. The overall ride is anything but smooth on many surfaces.

Suppression of road-noise in the Pathfinder is good. Likewise, wind-noise is kept to a minimum which is quite an achievement with the Pathfinder’s boxy aerodynamics.

The Pathfinder was designed to go off-road, so it’s not the smartest ride around town, but it is one of the most practical, offering loads of space and durability.

This entry-level Acenta model comes with central locking, stability control, 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric windows, alarm, immobiliser, CD+MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth as standard. If you’d like a bit more kit, then think about upgrading to the Tekna version which adds leather upholstery, cruise-control, 18-inch alloys, a satellite navigation system and keyless entry. Metallic paint is available as an extra for £495 and rear parking sensors for £365.

The Pathfinder has enough room for five adults in comfort and also incorporates a pair of seats that you can raise up from the floor of the boot – giving you seven-seater capability for shorter journeys. The boot offers enormous space of 2,091-litres with the seats down and it also has a practical split-tailgate on the rear.

Safety features include stability control which helps you keep control if the car starts sliding, and full length curtain airbags as well as the normal front and side ones. Euro NCAP gave the Pathfinder ratings of 4 for occupant safety, 3 for child passengers and 2 for pedestrians based on its crash tests.

Anti-theft measures include an alarm, immobiliser, locking wheel-nuts and visibly marked components.

Those who do use the Pathfinder off-road with frequency will enjoy its ruggedness and practical durability, and the fact that it simply shrugs off hard driving. However, those who stick to using it on-road will be a bit disappointed that it doesn’t look as classy as some of its competitors.

Nissan enjoy a good reputation with regard to reliability and the Pathfinder is no exception. All models come with Nissan’s 3-year- 60,000 mile warranty and service intervals of 18,000 miles.

At £31,335 the Pathfinder is less expensive than some of its rivals, but it’s not as appealing overall as the BMW X3 or Discovery and its resale value reflects it by being typically lower than its rivals. Running costs are high – as with any 4X4 - and average fuel economy is far from impressive, only averaging 33.2mpg for this manual version and the auto version gives even less economy.

Insurance costs (group 31) and CO2 emissions of 224g/km (VED band K) won’t help keep running cost down either.