Test drive Nissan Pathfinder 2001 - 2005 SUV

Middleess

At the end of the Moscow winter, in front of the spring thaw and in anticipation of a summer summer, we have gathered a trinity of SUVs who act in mid -weight and have a good sales recently. We got the most equipped and just updated versions of the two Japanese (however, oriented to the North American market) Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Nissan Pathfinder, as well as the Chevrolet Blazer Yankees, however, Brazil-Tatar origin.
What, in the bathhouse, sport, when do you live in almost extreme conditions? We would climb into the tank or, in extreme cases, in Hummer! Reliable and calm.
Three years ago, these Japanese, in addition to their beloved and durable Pajero, also came up with another jeep with the same name, but with Sport's word. At first, our man, and in his soul, he, of course, the conservative, took a novelty in hostility. Say, they are not looking for good from good. We (writers) managed to mock him a good word a couple of times, calling our boyfriend. And at the same time, sales began to grow. Here Mitsubishi would calm down. And give them restyling, file, facelift, you know.
Pajero Sport is a special car that is completely unlike your brother. It exists only in a long version, with a 3-liter gasoline engine or a 2.5-liter turbodiesel. We got an automatic three -liter. Next to it stands close in size and indicators, but significantly cheaper Chevrolet Blazer of the Tatar assembly.
More recently, some more about five years ago, we could count all domestic car factories on our fingers. Now the situation has changed significantly. On the territory of Russia and the countries of the former union, new automakers are constantly arising. Dotting the machine made behind the cordon is economically justified in itself. In addition, it allows you to reduce partially or completely customs payments. Among other relatively inexpensive cars, the only SUV Chevrolet Blazer, assembled in Elabuga.
It would be pretty curious to put two jeeps with one of the Detroit, the other from the Brazilian Tataria (or from the Tatar Brazil). There are many differences. And they are all in favor of their native rogue. Except for one price. After all, acquiring Elazovsky Blazer, you pay half less. What is mainly due to the profitability of the production scheme or saving on consumer qualities? Probably, Pathfinder is pronounced in English than in Russian, but as soon as it is not called it. Nevertheless, they love and respect. The same class as other experimental, with a body carrier, like Pajero. The most difficult and most sophisticated car of all. But what is it in practice?
Device
Everything, the circle of honor near the novelty is perfect. Flying in bins. We do it with joy, because the openings of the doors are wide and high, and the phaldes of cloaks and coats will not collect dust from the thresholds. The soft skin of light shades always acted on my unstable psyche soothingly, and a light gray torpedo with a yellow bottom led to a state of higher relaxation. This is how little one company is required to turn a slightly obsolete and slightly condo Pajero jeep into a soft, cozy and ergonomic crew! Just a magic word Sport. Even more enthusiasm intensified at the sight of the massive InVeCS-II automation handle next to the traditional Mitsubishev levers of the Super Selekt type. The machine can now be pulled off the position only when you press the brake, and not just on a convenient button in the end of the handle. You will have to return the selector back to Parking in order to rescue the ignition key from the larva. Ignition, ignition ... But how does the car light up, in the end? We ride a little, at first looking at the appearance and the cabin.
Now Blazer. Immediately make a reservation, we will consider today the most fully equipped option and, of course, the most expensive. Potential customers are more likely to be interested in minimal in cost and in configuration of Chevrolet. This is designed specifically for Latin America and the rear -wheel drive SUV produced in Brazil. Isn't it true, such a phrase cuts our ear. But as ordinary cars with the drive of the thrust on both axes, we do not count for jeeps, so the familiar in size and concept of the SUV with only one pair of leading still remains. After all, the spar frame, a large clearance, huge wheels allow you to overcome obstacles inaccessible to cars. The second difference from the original greatly exhausted the power unit. Having almost doubled in a liter (2.2l instead of 4.3 liters) and one and a half times without having to be in power (113 hp to 183l.p.), it reduces the cost even more. The third reducing factor can be called the simplicity of interior decoration and some differences in appearance.
We got a car that, with the same (Brazilian) body, is a powerful (state) engine, both leading bridges, an automatic box, air conditioning, that is, the most complete version. It costs about 29 thousand dollars instead of 16 per dummy.
PAS is equipped with the most complete program: the automatic box, luxurious skin, eirbegs, seats, like all other electricians, steering wheel and Bose CD Magnetol with a slightly dull sound and setting only to odd frequencies of America! Each wheel now has a separate electronic lock. At a price of only 40 thousand, more than a bright bouquet of options. Plus, albeit not the most catchy, but quite balanced appearance.
Appearance
The worst thing is to go around Pajero Sport in front, even the car is squat, but the hood is high and look jumps and crushes. Aggressive, one might say, appearance. And after the changes, a wrinkled forehead, samurai elongated eyes and a grinning protruding lower jaw became completely creepy. So from the muzzle and not to recognize. And with ... the back? And here everything is different. The previous ascetic stern replaced a new one, which is more expressive and clearer.
The profile, remembered by a long flat roof and a high hood, is now supplemented with a narrow molding with the name of the company. The border between her metallic paint and the soil applied to the bottoms left lower, making the silhouette lighter, air.
But what did the owners from GM save on, developing a blazer for the poor? First of all, chrome is completely absent in the decoration. A completely different anterior optics. Unlike volitional headlights, the eyes are much more naive here. The face looks more friendly because of the black coarse bars. A convex stamping appeared above the rear wheels. The hood is also made embossed, unlike the purebred Yankee flat. In general, you will not confuse these two versions of the same car. True, our vanity was amused by the inscription 4.3 on the lid of the trunk, which allocates precisely our copy of the mass of most of the elazes. The cast wheels of the wheels in off -road rubber emphasize the modest advantage of this hard worker. And the arcs on the roof hint that even goods that will not be placed in a huge luggage compartment can be hoisted upstairs.
In general, the appearance leaves an impressive impression, quite convincing, if you eat on the tail in front of the running car. Most likely, they will give in to the road. Nissan, which produces another jeep in the same class of Terrano II of the Spanish assembly, with the PasFainer (I will ever learn to say this?!) I clearly aimed at the ocean. The Americans like such optics and silhouette, like it when the glass of the fifth door rises upwards separately from the entire piece of iron and baggage is thrown through it. To their taste (unlike domestic traffic police) and tightly tinted side and rear windows. In addition, in our car a completely new face of the headlights is higher, and the hood instead of the former, flat, rose along the motor, as is now customary. But in general, the appearance of the front, although it was modernized, began to slightly resemble Suzuki Grand Vitara and Subaru Outback. The rest of the steps and thick casting tires make the car quite courageous, without depriving the intelligent, by jeep standards, appearance.
Interior
Pajero is traditionally spacious and reliable. High-quality materials, electric drives of glasses, hatch and mirrors are supplemented by air conditioning, as well as a permanent Pajor block, a crane-terramometer, placed under a spoon. There are now three head restraints from behind, surprisingly almost not blocking the review through the salon mirror. Fortunately, the reserve under the floor, and not on the gate, and this is more to us to taste. But the review forward or sideways cannot be called satisfactory, which we already wrote about last year. Window openings do not allow free, as you want to look up or down.
If outside only a specialist in a number of signs will determine that Chevrolet is not staman, then inside, in the cabin, anyone will say that the origin of the car is simplest. This is the world of cheap plastic. The steering wheel, the surface of the instrument panel and doors handle is quite unpleasant to the touch. Inexpressive scales of the speedometer and tachometer. These are disadvantages. There are pluses, moreover, important. The seats are quite simple and at the same time convenient. You do not slide forward when braking and do not fidget in a sharp bend. A good circular review, uncharacteristic for SUVs. We were surprised by the uncomfortable bulge under the feet of the front passenger, due to the layout of the transmission.
Of the options installed on Blazer de Luxe (that is, on all all -wheel drives and on the most equipped cars 4x2), the following deserve mention. This is air conditioning, not climate control, of course, but two provisions on cooling power are available. There are four electric windows, as well as a modest radio. I'm not talking about electric mirrors and a central lock with locking from the driver's seat.
PasFider is the richest car of today's candidates for the decoration of the salon. A wide range of adjustments of the seats, adjustable steering wheel, high ceiling, initial perimeters supplemented with the most ergonomic handles and buttons. Double American anti-loner visors and large burdocks-mirror with heated and convenient climate control all pleases the eye and hand. And light fashionables of devices allow you to instantly read the information. True, the speedometer is mile, but there is also digitization in km. And by viewing from the driver's place, we had no complaints. Perhaps there is a clear leader.
In move
In winter in Moscow, it usually goes snow! I tell you as a specialist. And by the end of winter, he becomes wet, heavy and gray, and driving on the cars is so difficult that you have to stay at home, choke in the subway or buy a jeep. The latter, as many are already guessing, is the most pleasant. The pleasure of 30-40 thousand dollars will cost, but, in our opinion, this car is better than a pack of bills with non-Russian arrogant faces.
... Well, the key to the start. They shuddered, and almost did not notice it. Vibration protection is excellent. Turn on more than a lot of lights. Click the ultra -modern Pioneer radio tape recorder, with a folding panel overflowing with all the colors of the rainbow. We will step on the throat of our own, with Kirkorov, a song lying from wide -frequency speakers. The salon immediately became quiet and concentrated, as in the Lenin Library. Here, finally, we are on the road. Somewhere there, at a depth of five centimeters (or maybe even twenty?) There is asphalt (or maybe a well), but still we will be guaranteed. And if you quickly, and even with a turn?! We will accelerate as it should, then brake. Let's try to find out or blows it? The heavy and stubborn Japanese is still a jeep ... No, he goes to where I wish, not him. And the automatic box is not a hindrance to me today, but an assistant. When the full drive is turned on, I can jump out onto the tram tracks so on the high, and there, having given gas, go around the whole stream! And this is in an outruned paving stones, with places of protruding rails and periodically emerging with pedestrians due to large cars.
Despite this impassable porridge, we decide to cut down the front line and ride only on the rear leaders directly while moving. Yes ..., of course, this is not a matter. It turns along the road, like the last Mercedes, it is necessary either to dump the gas or restore Status quo. But when we finally reached the dried sections ... On one rear drive, a heavy jeep flies like a fluff, and behaves in a bend with a light excessive rotation, obediently and predictably, like a good limousine, because the center of gravity is with him Slightly lower than the founding father of the usual Pajero.
Surely it would be more interesting to compare the posterior and all-wheel drive modifications of Blayser in a paired test. But we will postpone it for later, and now we will ride on a powerful 4x4 version. Recall that the motor here is 4.3 liters, American is not too forced.
The turning of the key wakes up the sleeping beast. Markingly aspin, he does not convey the slightest vibration to the body, mounted on the spar frame through rubber pillows. The automatic transmission handle growing from the tunnel lies exactly where necessary. We transfer it to position D and release the brake. Press the gas pedal to half the course. The rear wheels with slipping pushing a heavy car forward. The programs are crossed with some delays, but within the permissible. The general sensation from traction and acceleration is more than pleasant. In a straight line, everything is clear. And on the snake? The reaction of the car to the rotation of the steering wheel is clearly delayed, and the body rolls a lot to the side. To delay, you quickly adapt to it quickly and begin to twist the steering wheel slightly ahead of time. The chances of getting exactly the turn are quite high. The inclinations in the bend with an increase in speed cease to grow, reaching the maximum angle. Next is the introduction of the rear axle. We will connect the front. This is done with a button located in the middle of the instrument panel. Now the set of speed is slightly lengthened, and the behavior in the bend, remaining in general by the rear -wheel drive, changes a little. We unscrew the steering wheel somewhere for fifty, then shift in the other direction. At first, the front axle slides out, but soon the back of the backet throws there. So, with the gracefulness of the dancing elephant, the rough all-wheel drive still passes between the cones in the rearrangement. It is quite possible to train. In terms of progress and stiffness of the suspension, Blazer is optimally approached by most of our roads. Small and medium bumps can not be seen at almost any speed, and hefty potholes and pits only shake the body, never breaking through to the stop. We stopped at any borders and even the stairs. The road clearance is really great, the corners of the entrance and the congress too, but the angle of the ramp, limited by the long base, is insufficient. Moreover, when moving through the high hills, we cling to the front part of the mounting of the rear rods to the frame. Overcoming the deep rut is surprisingly good. Cretaceous high -profile tires cling even to icy areas and stretch the car where necessary.
For the purity of the experiment, we climb into the snow on the ears and turn off the front bridge. Surprisingly, Blazer rakes a good one on one back. This emphasizes the applicability in our conditions even the simplest version. It, either, is not different, convenient both in arranging the salon and in running qualities, and outwardly, taking into account the update, it looks abruptly than most classmates. But, on the heart, the motor could be more powerful, and the tires are later, but these are all the nuances.
Transfer with Mitsubishi and GM different in sled sensations on Nissan, you understand this to a greater extent than a jeep. No, do not think Pathfinder is also a good rogue, but you forget about this on city streets. The car goes so smoothly and confidently, as if it were a two -ton representative American. In comparison with competitors, all maneuvers are performed twice as much accuracy, and at the same time the slightest shaking. It was even a pity to jump on such an imposing car for curbs and snowdrifts. But I had to. The suspension does not break through and works fine. At lower power, it seems as if the acceleration of Pathfinder is more vigorous. Attempts to climb the snowdrifts ended in planting on the belly, but we must pay tribute until the wheels are giving, the car moved to the last.
Small results
The first reaction from acquaintance with Elaz, back in the car dealership, was rejection. Indeed, a simple salon and laconic appearance do not encourage respect. They meet on clothes. But gradually we were increasingly imbued with this car. Excellent dynamics, worthy behavior on the asphalt and magnificent off -road. And practicality in the decoration is very suitable for Russian conditions.
It seems to us, the probable buyer of the Chevrolet Blazer is a resident of the backwater who makes a good professional professional, for whom the acquisition of an expensive imported jeep is a distant prospect, and riding on the field of the already passed stage. This, of course, is our assumption. But the ratio of price quality in cars assembled in Elabuga is undoubtedly high.
Pajero Sport fully justifies its name and price. It is slightly harsh, but universal. True, insignificant complaints caused us controllability. And outwardly, Mitsubishi is perhaps the coolest and most expressive of all.
Nissan conquered our hearts with rich decoration and behavior on solid coating. The ideal work of pendants and the accuracy of maneuvers put it far ahead compared to even larger and more expensive machines. But outwardly, it looks simpler, and on off -road deserves a slightly lower rating than Mitsubishi and Chevrolet.
So with external similarities, the SUVs were quite different. It remains only to find the model that is more responsible for your desires and capabilities, and make the right choice.
 
Vladimir Smirnov
Photo by Alexander Nozdrin

Several recommendations to the owners of SUVs
It is well known that the all -wheel drive car wins not only in patency, but also in stability on slippery roads. However, the 4x4 formula is actually as simple as it might seem. The reliability with which the all -wheel drive holds on a slippery road, its unconditional advantage. After all, let's say, at the wheel of an rear -wheel drive car in the same conditions you have to either drive a constant voltage, or drive a noticeably slower.
But just in the confidence that the driver gives the drive to all the wheels, and there is a serious danger. He, as they say, relaxes: even at high speed sitting at the wheel, it seems that it is still far to the limit, and without straining, without much fears, put pressure on the pedal. Moreover, often the driver is captured by a stable stereotype, that all -wheel drive allows you to literally work miracles.
In fact, the capabilities of all -wheel drive are far from unlimited, and when the safe limit of speed will be exceeded, the situation can easily get out of control: in a straight line, a skid may unexpectedly arise, and in a turn, depending on the curvature of the trajectory, there is a great risk how to go into a skidding , never fit into a turn. And since the speed limit for 4x4 is much higher than for a car with a drive per axis, the loss of control occurs at a much higher speed, when not everyone, even a prepared, the driver is able to tame the car. So moving along a slippery road by car with all leading wheels, it will not be superfluous to look at the speedometer more often.
Own features in the management of all -wheel drive cars with the front axle disconnected, when the transmission does not have an interdose differential. It is known that with such a scheme on good roads, the front bridge should be disconnected in order to prevent transmission overload and increased wear of tires. The manufacturer warns this in the operating manual and, as a rule, with special tablets in the cabin.
On most modern cars, the front bridge is turned off and connected without stopping the car. However, by following the instructions of the manufacturer, it is necessary to make an amendment to road conditions. It is one thing when under the wheels of dry asphalt, another when clean from ice and slippery areas alternate.
By itself, finding himself on ice with the front hand, it is easy to tear the car into a sharp skid. However, this danger increases significantly at the time of disconnecting the front bridge, since the traction force on the rear wheels actually doubles. That is, it turns out about the same as if in the rear -wheel drive car to sharply increase the supply of fuel. This is a real provocation: the risk of skidding increases repeatedly! Therefore, you should not rush to disconnect the front bridge until you are completely sure of the quality of the road surface.
And one more thing: if, driving such a car in an rear -wheel drive, you suddenly ended up on a dangerous area (snowy skid, head, slippery slope), it is important not to get lost, but to connect the front wheels as soon as possible without reducing it, but also not adding sharply when this is gas. This is a very useful technique that often helps out in critical situations.
 
Vladimir Yakovlev, test engineer
 

 

Source: Cars