After more than 1 600 units of this dramatic off-roader were sold in its first full year on the local market, Nissan has made adjustments to the range by adding this driver aid to automatic models.
The hill descent control feature is engaged by hitting dash-mounted HDC switch. It uses the braking system and the compression of the engine when set in 4Lo (or low range) to assist with a safe descent. The HDC function in automatically switched off when low range is disengaged.
Similarly, when the vehicle is stopped on an incline and the brake pedal depressed, the hill ascent control is automatically engaged. This holds the vehicle in place for three seconds. The system is disengaged when the vehicles moved forward.
Subtle enhancements have been made to the interior too, with aluminium finishes replacing the former wood trim.
The engine line-up remains unchanged with Pathfinder still being powered by a 4.0 litre V6 petrol (producing 198 kW at 5 600 r/min and 386 Nm at 4 000 r/min) and a 2.5 litre four cylinder turbodiesel unit (with 128 kW and 403 Nm on tap at 4 000 and 2 000 r/min respectively).
The turbodiesel is available with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, while the petrol V6 is only offered with the automatic gearbox.
Pathfinder prices are:
2.5 DCi 4x4 LE (manual) R407 500
2.5 DCi 4x4 LE (auto) R432 500
4.0 V6 4x4 LE (auto) R437 500