Nissan Armada test drive since 2009 SUV
Dexterous "elephant"
Big jeeps loved by Russians, as a rule, perform a variety of functions: in some cases they serve as a car of escort, in others they can actually act as a representative machine. Hence the relevant requirements for them. The machine should be roomy, luxurious and fast. G-Modell, Chevrolet Tahoe, and the famous Land Cruiser were considered ideal in this regard at different times. Now many believe that the best option is the largest of the Nissan Pathfinder Armada offered in our market. The car is impressive, like an elephant, luxurious, like a lion, and at the same time dexterous, like a cheetah (if such a comparison is generally appropriate for a heavy, full -size SUV).
Yes, Pathfinder Armada is below the rank of one -platform Infiniti QX56, but they have different missions: in addition to representative and accompanying functions for which both cars are suitable in principle (although this role is more natural for Infiniti), there are still travels, while not always well -groomed roads, dragging trailers, as well as transporting all sorts of things to the country. Here, Armada is already at a height, of two cars it is the most practical: after all, it is not sleek Infiniti, and Nissan is simpler and more cheap. 
As they say, they meet on clothes. True, now Armada has become much more neat and more beautiful than before. Last year, the controversial styling of the car was subjected to some changes: they changed the face (made new headlights, the front bumper and the radiator grille), in addition to the rails, the 2007 model model stretched along the entire length of the roof, slightly smoothed out the unusual wave -like upper line (it was this design element At one time, he caused the most debate). 
The interior perfectly corresponds to the appearance of the machine: it is monumental. Moreover, from equipment to small (although they are already small) details. The car is packed a little poorer than a fellow named Infiniti QX56: it does not have, for example, heating the rear seats, in addition, the steering wheel does not move with buttons, but manually. Nevertheless, it is difficult to call Armada poorly equipped. There is almost everything here, starting with a complete electric package and ending with a beautiful multimedia system that combines the functions of an on -board computer, navigation system and a musical installation. In addition, a four-zone (!) Climate control, a rear view camera (by the way, displaying a color image on the screen) and a lot of other interesting things (for example, an electric back door and heating the steering wheel) are set. Note that getting out of the car is no less funny than to be in it: the door handles are huge, it’s nice to just touch them (this is, by the way of the details). You can only put on the use of a little less high -quality than, say, Toyota Land Cruiser 100, finishing materials (not in the sense that they are bad, there are simply cars that they have better).
Certain features of the internal arrangement of Armada are associated with its origin. The car was originally designed with an eye on the American market and is still officially sold only there. On the interior, this was reflected in the sense that the machine was equipped with many duffel compartments (at the disposal of passengers sitting behind the whole ceiling console, which provides for special shelves for all sorts of things) and a lot of cup holders. In addition, it is extremely spacious here (by the volume of Armada salon, it competes with cars such as Chevrolet Suburban). The presence of a spacious salon turns maneuvering into an amazingly exciting activity. I’ll try to explain: including reverse and turning to evaluate the situation behind the back door, you subconsciously expect to see the outside world at a distance certain. And in Nissan, you first get lost: u, and where did Moscow go? Yes, she’s over the third row of seats! It's good that there is a rear view camera! And lateral mirrors: with these burdocks, the driver of Armada fully controls what is happening overboard.
But the brightest element of the car is still a motor. Moreover, not even his characteristics are impressive (although 5.6 liters and 305 hp, of course, the cat did not cry), but with what amazing lightness he carries this colossus weighing 2340 kg! The accelerating Armada is not reminiscent of the core not released from the gun (the body, by the way, dense and heavy), but rather a maple leaf that fell into a hurricane wind. He perceives even a weak pressure on the gas instantly: it does not stand on ceremony, but just fun, without unnecessary pathos, does his job. And how it sounds! Vigorously, saturatedly, without a strain and at the same time not angrily, as if saying: e-hea-gay, gentlemen! The feeling of lightness is enhanced by the operation of the suspension. Yes, the vibrations of the unsubstantiated masses are felt on the move, yes, the angular rigidity is not the highest (and the tires are soft), but the Japanese still managed to create an excellent chassis! With moderately aggressive maneuvering, the model demonstrates excellent reactions and confident tread. At the same time, the smoothness of the course is expected, and the brakes are surprisingly adequate.
That's just the laws of physics, as if offending an attempt to ignore them, they make themselves felt quite hard: this machine consumes gasoline with heroic appetite. With a fairly dynamic urban ride of 25 liters per 100 km, a normal phenomenon (with such a power and with such a mass cannot be otherwise).
A large weight, coupled with a powerful engine, entails not only increased fuel consumption, but also accelerated brake wear: individual dashings manage to wash the pads in the dust for one trip. In fairness, we note that the trip in this case means a rather long riding at the verge of a foul at a pace imposed by a powerful passenger car.
Despite all the shortcomings, Armada will buy. Because it is a large shocking jeep, moreover, a real one, and not some kind of percateurist there. And besides, Armada is going, she has a wonderful salon and a competently designed suspension. In our opinion, all of the listed positive qualities justify considerable (from 2 million 250 thousand rubles) cost of the car.
The author thanks the S-class car dealership for the car provided for testing.
Photo: Andrey Sahakyan