Car Statistics: Nissan - Pathfinder Series 05 (3 stars)

Styling (3 stars)

Take a Navara pick-up truck and add a rear section. It's not rocket science, but the Pathfinder's chunky styling works well.

Handling (2 stars)

Safe and predictable, but it feels very old-school on tarmac roads. Heaving suspension, vague steering and poor grip all limit enthusiasm for rapid progress.

Comfort (3 stars)

The driving position lacks much in the way of under-thigh support, which can get painful on longer journeys. Loud at motorway cruising speeds, too.

Quality (3 stars)

As tough as you'd expect something based on a light truck to be. The cabin is well up to withstanding the sort of abuse meted out by young families.

Performance (2 stars)

The 4.0 litre petrol engine is respectably rapid, at the cost of fuel consumption that would put an oil-well fire to shame. The 2.5 litre DCi diesel can never manage better than leisurely progress.

Roominess (4 stars)

Loads or room for five occupants and their luggage, although the fold-out third row seats are only suited to small children, and remove most of the bootspace when deployed.

Costs (3 stars)

Good value new, although depreciation is likely to be on the steep side. Diesels turn in respectable fuel economy by the profligate standards of the segment in which the Pathfinder competes.

Value (4 stars)

Attractive entry-level pricing allows more basic versions of the Pathfinder to undercut rivals by a substantial margin. Range-toppers are considerably more expensive, but come with comprehensive standard kit.

Stereo (3 stars)

The audio system struggles to make itself heard over other noise at cruising speeds. Satnav is standard on the range-topping Aventura trim and works well, but is unavailable on more basic models.