NISSAN Australia has quietly decided to close the most affordable version of the Pathfinder right after the new generation of large SUVs launched in December with prices from $61,790 plus on-road costs.
The removal of the eight-seat ST-L leaves two Pathfinders at rest: the eight-seat TI at $71,490 + ORC and the top seven-seat Ti-L at $81,490 + ORC. In February, both could be bullish, to $1460 and $1263 respectively.
The exit of the entry-level Pathie comes after Nissan Australia recorded a disastrous sales of 193 units in the first two months of this year, ahead of competitors such as the Ford Everest (sales in 1982), the Toyota Prado (sales in 1982), the Toyota Prado (sales in 1982) sales of 2305), Kia Sorento (2088) sales) and Toyota Kluger and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport with sales of 1785 and 1118 respectively.
A spokesperson for Nissan Australia told GoAuto that the Pathfinder lineup has been “streamlined” into the two most popular variants in this market.
“We have chosen to streamline the Pathfinder product line due to unavoidable supply constraints and ongoing disruptions in the global manufacturing environment,” a spokesperson said.
Nissan dealers GoAuto have talked to improving the situation in a positive direction, suggesting there is room for the premium Pathfinder Warrior version down the track, which should bring the number of variants back to three. , despite a significant advance in the luxury market.
Nissan Australia is currently offering two locally enhanced Warrior versions of the Navara ute with the Warrior version of the V8 Petrol Patrol confirmed to be in production.
The unfortunate results for Pathfinder sales come after the model was on hiatus for two years before the fifth-generation version debuted late last year, facing stiff competition. offers a variety of hybrid or diesel powertrain options, and some switch to four smaller turbochargers. cylinder engine instead of the gas-guzzling V6 like the engine in the Pathfinder.
All-wheel drive is standard across the Pathfinder range, using Nissan’s 202kW/340Nm VQ35DD 3.5-litre VQ35DD petrol engine sourced decades ago.
Industry commentators say the lapse in model continuity could cost Pathfinder sales dearly as buyers shift to newer high-tech offerings, including the X-Trail new Nissan, enough to carry out extended family duties – and provide significant cost savings considering today’s constrained economic environment.
Nissan Australia only launched the new generation three-row Pathfinder last December, which is supposed to bridge the gap between diesel and body-on-frame 4×4 models like Ford’s Everest and seven-seat models. asphalt oriented like Toyota Kluger .
Like the latter, the Pathfinder uses the same monocoque chassis design as a passenger car, sitting between softer and stiffer competitors in the large SUV category and engineered for better off-roading capabilities. compared to its predecessor after Nissan research showed the previous-generation Pathfinder had strayed too far from its rugged roots.
Despite swapping out the old Pathie’s unloved continuously variable transmission with a nine-speed torque converter automatic and offering a seven-mode four-wheel drive system that promises off-road capability. More visual, Nissan’s efforts to address the perception that Pathy is a weak laner. dropped the rating because the car’s poor sales rate equated to less than the Rexton at the edge of SsangYong.
Nissan Australia senior marketing manager Martin Longayroux said late last year at the launch of the new Pathy: “There is a lot of customer feedback, especially from the US, where the car is from, to know buyers want to capture what they call ‘a great dad’s car, something they can carry the kids around but still have the ability to operate and that really feels like the car they want. drive,” he explained.
“So yeah, it’s 100% intentional that the move to become more capable off-road is what the car needs to make.”
Mr. Longayroux hinted at the possibility that Pathfinder’s Warrior version will improve off-roading.
“It’s obviously something we can look at but it will depend on whether there’s an opportunity for that lifestyle and if that’s what the market is looking for,” he said.
The Pathfinder has 2700kg of brake drag while a new direct-coupled all-wheel drive system that Nissan says allows torque to be transmitted directly on the clutch package using oil pressure, allowing for confident takeoffs and immediately in low traction situations.
The AWD system offers driver-selectable modes including Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Drag but a jarring note for real-terrain credentials The Pathfinder’s space-saving accessory is located under the rear deck.
Making its debut on the Pathfinder is Nissan’s Pro-Pilot semi-autonomous driving system, and is further enhanced by Nissan’s new dual-gear electric assisted steering setup that it claims will provide sporty feedback. and attractive to the driver.
The Pathfinder rides on MacPherson struts (front) and independent multi-link suspension (rear) and is stopped by four-wheel disc brakes.
