The Northern Rivers Times Edition 130

PATHFINDER NEW, BUT NOT ALL THAT NEW

The latest Nissan Pathfnder is wider and taller for extra interior space

By CHRIS RILEY

Nissan all-new ffthgeneration Pathfnder is on the road.

Nissan says new Pathfnder marks a return to its rugged roots, but not at the expense of comfort or mod cons.

Available with seven or eight seats, it’s not all that new however, sitting on the same platform as the previous model, with a revised VQ-series 3.5-litre petrol V6.

No sign or mention of the previous 2.5-litre supercharged hybrid or for that matter the latest e-Power hybrid in other models.

New Pathfnder is slightly shorter, 38mm shorter to be exact, with the same 2900mm wheelbase (distance between axles).

But it’s 15mm wider and sits 5mm higher which Nissan reckons translates to more interior space – more headroom, more legroom and more hip room.

In terms of luggage capacity, new Pathfnder offers 782 litres with second and third rows folded, 554 litres with the third row folded and 205 litres behind the rear seat

with all three rows in use.

In contrast, the previous model boasted fgures of 2250/1354/453 litres.

The direct-injection 3.5-litre V6 offers the same 202kW of power and 340Nm of torque, but is now paired with a lighter, nine-speed automatic rather than a CVT-style transmission.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 10.0L/100km for front-wheel drive models and 10.5L/100km for all-wheel drives.

C02 emissions are 234g/km and 245g/km respectively.

Consumption was previously 9.9L and 10.1L/100km respectively, while emissions were 230g and 234g/km.

Braked tow rating is the same 2700kg.

The new gearbox is shift-by-wire, designed to deliver more direct response and better performance in all situations. Nissan says it also features a wider spread of gear ratios to ensure the car is in the right gear at the right time, as well as comfort and improved fuel economy.

But you’d have to wonder whether the

previous CVT had that one covered, with a continuously variable range of ratios.

The rack-mounted electric steering has been refned to provide better damping and improved response.

The doors are lightweight aluminium which together with a 50 percent increase in highstrength steel contribute to reduced weight and increased rigidity.

Wider tyres help to deliver better handling, improved cornering and improved steering response.

Ride quality is enhanced through updated front and rear suspension, with a 28 per cent increase in roll stiffness at the front and 14 percent increase at the rear. The focus was on producing a quiet, refned ride, with a thicker carpet, increased door isolation, thicker secondrow glass, improved door and foor isolation and acoustic laminated glass in the front.

Together with improved dash and hood insulators and a new engine cover, they deliver signifcant reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.

Pathfnder’s new 4WD system features direct coupling, allowing for confdent, immediate take-off in low-traction situations.

Drive modes include: Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow in 4WD models, while 2WD models are equipped with Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow and Tow modes.

The Drive and Terrain Mode Selector changes shift mapping and torque control, altering throttle response, VDC tuning, steering weight and 4WD torque distribution.

MAYBACH GOES OVER THE TOP

Stunning looks of the latest Mercedes-Maybach car

By CHRIS RILEY

The limited edition Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Haute Voiture is described as the ‘ultimate’ collectible.

Based on a concept shown earlier this year, the car made its debut this week at a fashion show by local couture designer Atelier Zuhra in Dubai.

Benz says a combination of utmost craftsmanship, highquality materials and exquisite details creates a new level of exclusivity -- evocative of a drivable art piece.

Strictly limited to 150 examples, Haute Voiture is the work of Mercedes Benz’ specialised customisation team in the Manufaktur, Sindelfngen.

In line with the Concept Haute Voiture, the exterior of the car is characterised by exclusive two-tone paint, with a combination of metallic nautical blue over a light shimmering rose and nautical blue metallic rims.

Surround lighting with animated projection has been added as an additional highlight.

When the doors are opened, animated Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-Maybach patterns using light up, illuminating both the front and rear entry areas.

Dark nautical blue and rose gold tones extend inside, with additional crystal and glossy opal white highlights.

The interior showcases the most exquisite

attention to detail, perfectly underlining its Haute Couture inspiration.

A high-quality fashioninspired bouclé fabric remains a constant throughout, in blue, beige, rose gold and gold shades, with additional intricate details featured within the seat covers and cushions.

Highlights of crystal white leather embrace the passengers throughout the consoles, doors and scatter cushions.

The foor mats are made of linen and mohair.

Rose gold coloured champagne futes are seamlessly integrated into the spacious rear alongside an Haute Voiture badge in the door panel.

Also original to the series car is the blue tone leather piping within the consoles.

The MBUX infotainment system picks up on the splendid exclusivity of the interior.

Sparkling glitter clouds and a variety of accents in shimmering rose gold emphasise the catwalk atmosphere.

In the profle selection menu, the driver is

greeted with a magnolia blossom and sparkling particles.

Twelve different avatars are adorned with fne accessories and elegantly dressed, for example in a dinner jacket, tailcoat, or evening gown.

To complete the Maybach experience, the S-Class Haute Voiture will be accompanied by a hand-made gift box featuring its badge number, alongside a scaled model and key ring.

In addition, a special car cover featuring the Maybach and Haute Voiture logo will be gifted to customers.

A bag collection will accompany the car, retailing early 2023 at Maybach Icons of Luxury physical and online stores.

Available in different styles and sizes in a limited run, items will be comprised of select materials featured in the vehicle interior, combining Haute Couture extravagance with detailed craftsmanship.

The price? It’s the old story – if you need to ask then you can’t afford it.