This Pathfinder wants to woo the night owls

IT’S SLEEK, IT’S every shade of dark and it’s…er… a Pathfinder. What’s going on? Not traditionally renowned as the epitome of cool, the Nissan Pathfinder has always been a reliable SUV more suited to the school-run than sensational nights out. With the Midnight Edition, however, the Japanese brand is looking to change that and enhance the car’s character seemingly by employing Batman (unconfirmed) to make a few cosmetic changes. Those rims look like they’re straight out of Gotham, right? But does it drive as well as the Batmobile? Let’s have a look.

Are the updates just skin deep?

In a word: yes. Actually that’s not strictly true. Some of the tech has been upgraded too, but at its core you’ll still receive a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 271hp. This, by the way, is in no way a disadvantage. It’s a cracking engine for a car of this size. With the ability to fit seven people and a towing capability of up to 1,500kg you need something powerful, which this engine is. Four-wheel drive combined with the motor’s power produces 340Nm of torque – plenty for any outdoors activity you and the family enjoy.

So what’s the point of the Midnight Edition?

Well, your time isn’t all about towing your boat to the shoreline for a fishing trip, is it? Sometimes you want to head out in the evening and treat yourself to a nice meal or get dressed up and attend your friend’s swanky birthday party, no matter how many times you tried to ignore the invite. The Midnight Edition is for exactly those occasions. It’s a family car in a dinner jacket. It looks mighty fine so you do too. We have to admit, Nissan have done a great job in this respect.

What else do I get?

The selectable driving modes are easy to employ and create better efficiency. Again, you’re not always going to be hanging off a dune, so 2WD in the city burns less fuel and is more than sufficient to get around. With the Midnight Edition you get climatecontrolled seats, to which we are definitely “warming” in our old age. The around-view monitor when you’re driving and parking is also a nice touch. Obviously with this model we are going to be focusing more on the outer aspects, though. The aforementioned 20-inch alloy rims were the prize-takers in this regard. Pitch black and gleaming, we loved the way they set the vehicle off. Matching wing mirrors, grille and rear spoiler completed the package.

Is it worth going for this over a normal one?

It depends what your priorities are, but living in the image conscious UAE, we can see it being a popular choice. People tend to forget just how much time they spend in their cars and how much of their energy they consume what with servicing and various payments, etc. Your automobile becomes part of your family. When you’re in it, you want it to feel comfortable and any Pathfinder will do that, but many also want to project a certain impression. For this, over other Pathfinders, the Midnight Edition is your friend.