Four-wheel drives are ever so popular and now there's a new player on the market - the Nissan Pathfinder, the family adventurer.

Just launched by Nissan Motor Sales Ltd, the Nissan Pathfinder is an all-new model built in Europe with a potent 174PS common rail turbodiesel and a new six-speed manual gearbox, with prices for the SUV starting from Lm24,047.

With its spacious seven-seat interior, generous levels of standard equipment and highly effective 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine, Pathfinder provides an unrivalled blend of MPV versatility, with passenger car-like dynamic performance and the off-road ability one would expect of a 4x4.

The Pathfinder has been designed to provide all the expected dynamic qualities of a passenger car but with the added benefit of a go-anywhere attitude.

Its four-wheel drive heritage is evident not just from the tough looks but also from the good ground clearance and the short overhangs front and rear. The body-on-frame chassis marries double wishbone independent suspension front and rear with the latest version of Nissan's sophisticated all mode four-wheel drive system.

This gives Pathfinder an unrivalled combination of passenger car-like ride comfort and dynamic on-road handling with exemplary off-road performance. It has all the ability of a true 4x4, but with the considerable bonus of road car refinement.

Optional extras include rain sensing wipers, driver's and passenger illuminated vanity mirror, cruise control, anti-theft device, lumber support on the driver's side, front fog lamps, leather steering, audio control in steering, roof rails, automatic transmission, leather seats trim, front heated seats, power foldable and body coloured rear view mirrors, electric front adjustable seats, personal setting for seat and mirrors, sunroof, rear air-conditioning and intelligent key.

Pathfinder is covered with a three-year parts and labour warranty.