Nissan has posted two pictures of its production ready, 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, on Facebook. Most significantly for the new Pathfinder, its chassis has changed from being the old, strong, body-on-frame-SUV-type, which ran on Nissan Navara underpinnings, to a conventional uni-body structure.

We have to say the new body looks absolutely brilliant too. It clearly moves away from the competent and yet slightly agricultural vibe of its forbear, and sticks identically to the styling of the pre-production 2013 Pathfinder that Nissan showed off earlier in the year.

The uni-body FF-L platform, as used by the Nissan Murano, is substantially lighter (227 kg) than the existing vehicle as a result and is better suited to everyday urban needs with improved aerodynamics and interior space. Does this mean the end of the Nissan Murano though? They sound like identical cars now. As far as we can see there are only three potential issues with the new Pathfinder. One, it’s gotten more diminutive since the last one and is even being classed by some as a ‘crossover’ vehicle now. Two, Nissan have said it will have the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine in some markets and that will be mated to a CVT transmission. No, say it isn’t so Nissan, say it isn’t so. Thirdly, that low front apron with twinkly fog lights looks like it won’t be very useful when off-roading.

The Pathfinder never ate up off-road conditions and now the 2013 model looks to be much more car-like in its design and layout. From the side, you would never suspect the 2013 Pathfinder was a relative of the old Pathfinder. The 2013 Pathfinder features that must-have swooping roofline and the doors have luxurious sculpting rather than the flat sheet metal of the old model. It is the same story on the rear; you no longer get the flat rear hatch door. In its place is a more rounded and shapely hatch that boasts a sharp spoiler.

Nissan’s new EZ Flex Seating System will give the Pathfinder an amazing 1.3 million different seating configurations and will be able to hold seven passengers. This puts it in line to compete with the Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Trailblazer (that will have arrived by 2013) and Toyota Fortuner. Assuming Nissan can find a range of engines other than the 3.5-litre V6 that is. South Africa can expect the much anticipated new model to arrive in 2013.

A few weeks ago we brought you a test on the Nissan Murano luxury SUV. Following in its footsteps in size at least, is the Nissan Qashqai n-tec, of which just 200 will be available. Smaller and more economical, the Qashqai n-tec continues the Qashqai’s combination of practicality and convenience, but comes with a styling makeover. Nissan’s decision to introduce the limited edition n-tec model stems from the enthusiastic welcome the Qashqai received upon its launch in August 2007 and the continued sales success since, with South Africa boasting over 4 500 Qashqai owners.

Interior
The interior of the standard specification Qashqai n-tec remains unchanged from that of the 2.0 Accentia model. This means cloth seats, a leather covered steering wheel, and convenience functions such as, rain sensing wipers; dual zone climate control; Bluetooth handsfree integration; electrically operated windows; onboard computer; outside temperature display; height adjustable headlights and more.

However, should you specify the optional accessories package your n-tec will also come with leather seats and a ‘infotainment centre’. The leather seats are comfortable – although adjusting the lumbar support is near impossible as the control is located parallel to the B-pillar. A nice touch is the white stitching, as well as ‘Qashqai’ embroidered into the backrests of the front seats.

Unfortunately our experience with the infotainment system was not a pleasant one. It’s an aftermarket unit that looks it. The sat-nav didn’t work thanks to a software error and we just didn’t find it an intuitive system to live with. Of concern, is that fact that you can watch TV while the car is in motion – a point that must surely detract from the 5-star Euro-NCAP safety rating and something that should be prevented by automatically turning off the function when the car travels over 5 or 10 km/h. These accessories also come at a price, R17 500 to be exact – Nissan, we suggest you ditch the infotainment and add value with a sunroof instead.

Apart from this isolated niggle, we found the Qashqai offered a very likeable cabin. The air-conditioning works well, there’s enough storage space (410-litres in the boot), passengers have adequate head and legroom, while interior noise levels are acceptable despite the large 18-inch tyres. The styling of the dashboard is uncluttered, almost minimalist in its appeal and the plastics are well put together.

Exterior
It’s on the outside that the Qashqai n-tec sets itself apart from its stablemates. Enhancements include brushed aluminium roof rails, door handles and front grille, tinted glass for the rear windows and a set of 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The Qashqai was not a bad looking compact-SUV to begin with and we think the cosmetic changes to the n-tec make it one of the best lookers in its class.

The Drive
The front-wheel-drive Qashqai n-tec surprised us in the handling department. The ride is firm, yet comfortable, and steering is accurate and well weighted, delivering a driving experience as confident as the car looks. With a bigger set of running shoes fitted, the Qashqai is up to the task of hustling through the corners and does so without giving the driver any surprises. A light clutch action, automatically adjustable speed-sensitive powersteering and elevated seating position over that of conventional sedans, makes the Qashqai an easy car to live with around town – where it’ll spend most of its time. Between towns or cities the n-tec cruises comfortably, with low interior noise levels and enough grunt to keep a comfortable cruising speed. Admittedly, the short section of dirt road we covered was in fairly good condition. Nevertheless, the n-tec tracked well, navigated one or two corrugations without a fuss and the interior and luggage areas remained dust free.

Performance
Driven by a 2,0-litre petrol engine with 102 kW and 198 N.m of torque, the Qashqai performs adequately. With power being delivered relatively high up the rev range – peak torque is reached at 4 400 rpm and peak power at 5 200 rpm – one tends to swap cogs to maintain speed on our country roads. Around town however, the Qashqai n-tec rolls along without much effort and will reach 100 km/from pull-away in 10.2 seconds. For what it’s worth, top speed is 192 km/h.

What we like…

• Good looks.
• An appealing vehicle for everyday town driving, capable of exploring dirt roads on the weekends.

What we would like…

• Give us the standard radio/cd and the choice of a sunroof, instead of the aftermarket ‘infotainment’ system.