FORTUNER RIVAL BEING MULLED
June 3, 2005 Bangkok Post - Motoring
Pickup-based 4x4 not confirmed, but would take shape of European Pathfinder SUV.
In Europe, Nissan offers a sport-utility vehicle based on the four-wheel-drive version of the Navara called Pathfinder.
Theoretically speaking, the Pathfinder can be Nissan's answer to Toyota's hot-selling Fortuner. Nissan's existing X-Citer sold in Thailand is not developed by Siam Nissan Automobiles, but is instead modified by Thai Rung Union Car.
The Pathfinder has been developed with rear coil springs to level the game with the Fortuner. The only adaptation Nissan must do to make it competitive against the Toyota is to fit a seven-seat layout in place of the five-seat configuration.
One overseas source told Motoring, "Nissan wants to compete in every segment Toyota is present. Therefore, a rival for the Fortuner would be necessary."
This comes even in spite of the X-Trail compact SUV being sold in Thailand. However, the customer target is said to be different, the same belief Ford holds for its pickup-based Everest and Escape compact SUV.
bring it here na para may rival naman fortuner! kawawang consumers walang capable rival sa fortuner na pagpipilian, the rivals here are either old, not popular or not good looking enough hehe
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unfortunately, nissan will not introduce an SUV in the same category as the Fortuner or the Alterra, instead Nissan Philippines will release the Murano, this September. Price range of 1.5m to 1.9m. I don't know the details yet, but Nissan said this is bigger and definitely more upscale than the present 7 seaters.
the murano at 1.5M WILL indeed give the fortuner some serious competition. but somehow, i doubt it will come at 1.5M, if ever. also, the murano has no third-row seating available.
first time i saw the fortuner today. what a sweeeet ride.
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No illusion is more crucial than the illusion that great success and huge money buy you immunity from the common ills of mankind, such as cars that won’t start. - Larry McMurtry
New-generation diesel engine is set to appear this year.
The new version pumps out a class-leading 174hp and 403Nm. However, a milder 145hp, 356Nm version is available to leave the performance-chase to the 3.0 version.
What will be interesting is the transmission. There are new six-speed manual and five-speed automatic gearboxes.
The traditional chassis-on-frame body, front double wishbones and rear leaf springs remain for the new Frontier based SUV. However, the ball-type steering will be replaced with a rack-and-pinion set-up to improve handling precision.
Fortuner Rival Being Mulled
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