Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid from $43K

Detailed specifications for the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid have surfaced, revealing the seven-seat SUV for the Australian market will range in price from $42,990 up to $68,090.

The entry-level model – the Pathfinder Hybrid ST – is the only front-wheel drive variant of the four to be sold in Australia. Pricing takes a large step up for the first all-wheel drive variant, the Nissan Hybrid ST-L, which is positioned at $57,490. An option pack variant for the ST-L adds $2100, taking the price up to $59,590. And the flagship Ti grade costs $68,090.

Fuel consumption, based on combined-cycle testing, is 8.4L/100km for the Pathfinder Hybrid ST, or 8.5L/100km for the all-wheel drive variants. This compares favourably with conventional V6 Pathfinders, which are rated at 9.9L/100km (FWD) or 10.2L/100km (AWD).

Nissan claims that the Hybrid variants nearly match the V6 for power (188kW versus 190kW), and actually outdo the V6 for torque (330Nm versus 325Nm). Supplemented by the 15kW electric motor, the Pathfinder Hybrid delivers torque in a flat curve that almost matches that of the V6, and Nissan claims the hybrid will tow up to 1650kg of braked payload.

Under the bonnet of the Hybrid is a supercharged version of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder that powers the X-TRAIL. Nissan has gone to some lengths to ensure the forced-induction four is as smooth and refined as possible, in all scenarios.

During cold starting, at idle or in low-speed operation, the engine's Electronic Active Control Mounts (E-ACM) employ reverse-phase control to counteract unwanted vibration.

Additionally, Nissan has specified Active Noise Control (ANC) to swamp any noise generated by the supercharger. Microphones in the vehicle's cabin detect noise from the supercharger and the ANC system emits a balancing sound wave to compensate.

At the heart of the Pathfinder Hybrid's drivetrain system are two clutch packs – one for the petrol engine and one for the electric motor. In different circumstances both power units can provide torque to the final drive, or the electric motor can operate as a generator to recover energy lost through braking or on the overrun. That power is supplied to a 144 Volt lithium-ion battery pack located under the third-row seating.

Standard equipment across the range includes leather-bound steering wheel, electric seat adjustment (manual lumbar adjust for ST), alloy wheels (18-inch for ST, ST-L, 20-inch for Ti), roof-rails, keyless entry/starting, three-zone climate-control and USB/iPod connectivity for the audio system (CD/DVD/MP3-compatible six-speaker for ST and ST-L, Bose premium system for the Ti).

Features additional to the ST in the Pathfinder Hybrid ST-L 4WD comprise heated side mirrors, front fog lights, chrome exterior trim, electrochromatic mirror, leather seat trim, electrically adjustable front passenger seat, heated front seats, electric steering column adjustment and front sunroof/panoramic glass roof.

The option pack for the ST-L variant bundles up the Ti's Bose audio system and satellite navigation with Around View Monitor and eight-inch colour infotainment display.

At the top of the range, the Pathfinder Hybrid Ti gains a powered tailgate, position memory for driver's seat/steering wheel/side mirrors, Around View Monitor and heated/cooled front seats.

Safety features as standard include six airbags, traction control, stability control, reversing camera, rear parking sensors and Hill Start Assist.