New Nissan Pathfinder is a softroader

Nissan has released the first pictures of its all-new Pathfinder SUV and its smoother, more car-like styling is very symbolic of the changes beneath its skin.

While the current Pathfinder is based on the Nissan Navara's body-on-frame platform, the new one moves over to a unibody construction that will certainly make it a more refined experience on tar, but less of a bundu basher off the beaten track.

That, according to our contact at Nissan, is the reason why we will not be getting the new Pathfinder in South Africa - as Nissan SA has opted to stick with the more rugged current version. No word on if or when the latter will actually be replaced or updated.

Nissan is also mum on the engine details for the new Pathfinder but given that it is based on the American-market Infiniti JX crossover, it is expected to use Nissan's 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to a CVT gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive.