Off-roader likely to be next Pathfinder

Nissan motored against the tide at the Frankfurt motor show, unveiling its Dunehawk four-wheel-drive at an event dominated by traditional sports cars and sedans.

The seven-seater Dunehawk is widely expected to become the next-generation Pathfinder, due to be launched in 2005.

A pick-up and a sports utility vehicle is also expected to come off the Dunehawk platform.

The vehicles are to be built at a new production plant in Barcelona, Spain, in which Nissan has invested nearly $800 million.

The Dunehawk concept is based on a traditional ladder-frame and equipped with Nissan's second-generation All Mode four-wheel-drive system, which uses a low-range ratio for serious off-road work.

It is roughly the same size as the Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero and has an optional three rows of seats and a versatile load space, all in a light-flooded, stylish environment.

All seven seats can be lowered electrically. The Dunehawk incorporates LED exterior lighting and doors automatically opened by brushing a pad on the exterior surface.