When
it comes to the spacious and high-tech driven 2011 Nissan Armada SUV, bigger is
definitely better. The
2011 Nissan Armada is aptly named, for it has the power to haul a fleet of
passengers and cargo. A 317-horsepower,
5.6-liter V-8 is mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission and also
puts out 385 pounds-feet of torque.
Choose rear-, or four-wheel drive to fully take advantage of the
Armada’s 9,100 pounds of maximum towing capacity. Speed-sensitive power steering comes
standard, while an auto-leveling suspension is optional.
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The
Armada is listed as a Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) and has the Flex-Fuel option
that allows the engine to run on E85 ethanol or gasoline. With that, the 2011 Nissan Armada receives 12
mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.
Other full-size SUVs that dare take-on the Armada are the Toyota Sequoia
and GMC Yukon.
Interior
The
2011 Nissan Armada features an attractive, comfortable interior. The overall
design is pleasing and the quality of most materials is above average. Controls
are well placed and simple to operate. While
the standard eight-passenger setup inside SV and SL models uses a 40/20/40-split
bench in the second-row, Platinum models can be had with an available pair of
captain's chairs (separated by a center console) that drops seating capacity to
just seven. Whichever way you go, you'll find a number of handy storage cubbies
scattered throughout the interior.
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In
back, the 60/40 split-folding third-row bench drops down into the floor easily,
even without the available power-folding option. While this may not seem like a
big deal, remember that the Tahoe's heavy third-row seats must be removed and
stowed outside the vehicle to take advantage of its full cargo capacity.
Speaking of which, the Armada offers 20 cubic feet of cargo room behind the
third row, and 97.1 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded -- a number
that's roughly 10 cubic feet less than its full-size SUV competitors.
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Fitted
with six airbags for top grade, the Patrol also comes with a totally revised
climate control system boasting another world-first – the curtain vent. Curtain
vent has several small but highly effective vents mounted in the ceiling above
each side window to blow a strong current of cool air down forming a curtain of
air that acts as a barrier to heat penetrating the cabin.
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Yet
another impressive Patrol feature is the cool box mounted in the centre console
between the front seats. Incorporating a unique double hinge design, the lid of
the cool box can be opened easily from either the front or second row of seats
to access the six 600ml drink bottles inside.
Exterior
After
extensive market research, especially in the Middle East, the design team
concluded that for the Patrol to beat its main competitors, it needed not only
a brand new design direction but class-leading engine performance, greater
luxury and comfort and a smart mix of new technologies that enhanced the total
driving experience. Product design director, Taiji Toyota, tells us that the
all-new exterior design is like a breath of fresh air. “Not as edgy and hardcore
as its predecessor, the softer new surfaces are beautiful and add a sense of
modernity to the design equation, while still maintaining a ruggedness and
commanding road presence” he said.
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In
a world-first for Nissan, the new Patrol employs a Hydraulic Body Motion
Control System (HBMC), which keeps the car flatter with less body roll during
lane-changing and cornering, while delivering a comfortable ride in city
driving and superb stability on rugged and sandy tracks. Another crucial part
of handling equation comes from the new suspension system, which now employs
4-wheel independent suspension, upgraded from the previous rigid axle setup.
Nissan has completely redesigned the vehicle’s suspension from the bushes to
the links. The combination of HBMC and the new suspension system with its
longer suspension stroke delivers significantly improved handling and stability
on both on- and off-road terrain.
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In
addition, the Patrol also offers a new Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent
Control which can also be selected easily with the touch of a button. With Hill
Start Assist, if a driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal, the
system keeps the vehicle stationary – with no roll back. Hill Descent Control
uses the brakes to maintain a constant downhill speed of 7km/h in 4H mode and
4km/h in 4L mode.
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The
new model employs a revised Tyre Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with tyre
inflation indicator which beeps the horn softly to inform drivers that a
suitable tyre pressure has been reached. A
revised, more effective brake system also provides the best braking performance
in its class thanks to its new hydraulic brake booster and a 4-piston opposed
front caliper setup with larger 358mm front discs.
Engine
The
2011 Nissan Armada is available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Both feature a 5.6-liter V8 that produces 317 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of
torque. A five-speed automatic is the only available transmission.
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Safety and security
The
2011 Nissan Armada comes standard with antilock disc brakes and brake assist,
stability control, front-seat active head restraints, front-seat side airbags
and full-length side curtain airbags.
While
it hasn't been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011
crash-testing procedures, the Armada's 2010 frontal crash-test scores (which
aren't necessarily comparable) were five stars (out of five) for driver
protection and four stars for passenger protection.
Driving
Impressions
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reference:www.newcars.com,www.edmunds.com,www.autoguide.com