The Nissan Armada

 

Well this is just a Nissan is it not? you would think, but imagine my surprise when I stepped into this cockpit. That is what I am going to call it, cockpit. I was blown away and this is a car that was stationary. The gadgetry and gizmos in this car is out of this world. I know it's their Platinum edition, quite literally, but its only a Nissan right? There is a lot to talk about in this one. Do not forget that i have driven a few SUVs so far, so a Japanese SUV is not a bad idea at all to throw into the mix. It will make interesting reading. Lets start with the exterior, basic Nissan grill which is all too familiar, and then it follows with the curves to match the simple look. The " I am simple to the eye, but I know you like my curves", look. Because if you Blink, you can easily pass the Armada up for another ordinary Japanese car. Look very carefully people, this is a real motor. Although the design suggests an end to the curves right at the second row but abruptly starts as quickly as they ended. feels like Nissan was still trying to figure out if they can stop there, but they changed their mind in the process. Not good, boys and girls of Nissan, not good. that little extension at the back did put me off a little bit. Nice skirts and if you get some smashing rims, this car can just as well stand out like the big American SUVs. Looking just as mean and domineering like it has stepped out of a Rap video. Enough said about the looks. Step inside with me and observe how interesting things get,

One thing that stand out, is the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). The only SUV I have driven so far with this nifty little program. Now what the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) does it to react to the way one is driving. Like transfer drive to the Wheels that need  more power in slippery conditions for instance.Just like Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) I hear echos. No, No, No. Its better, way better in fact, because if one is on the road and the driver in front or beside is in a bit of a pickle, you would naturally react to try and avoid an accident, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) would react with you and control the car until stability is achieved. then there is The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). This monitors the tire pressure and warns the driver if it goes below or above the recommended level. Handy for gas mileage. Seven people can sit in this car with  loads of room and comfort, though there will be no space for anything else at the back. Airbag system with dual supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, now that is cool. there is zone body construction with rear and front crumple zones. now I understand why Nissan Armada looks the way it does. The Armada has the ability to tow about seven thousand pounds just two thousand shy of its cousin the Titan, and the rear suspension is independent,and has Auto Leveling, depending on what you are towing. Awesome. the usual different Climate control for the driver and the passengers. The DVD screens for the second row and another one for the third row.

The Satellite navigation it top of the range  and has a few surprises of its own, where there is split screens for 3D view and bird's eye view, plus within the system places of interest can be incorporated in your journey so one knows exactly where they are. Skimming the surface on this one because the navigation is capable of a host of things. CDs are becoming obsolete as well because the car stereo which is a Bose can read a CD and the driver can select what tracks they want and save them onto the 9GHZ on board computer. this car, big as it is, can chew up the road.The get up and go is up there and not forgetting the purr as it books. Very imposing on the road so people will know when you are  kicking the V8 up a notch. One thing is you have to be ready to pay for the gas because this car only does 12mpg city and 18mpg Highway. Independent suspension, both rear and front, well solid and one can feel the road at one with the car through the steering and of course the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) is able to retain a degree of stability to aid the drive.


usually when one slams on the brakes most cars throw you forward due to inertia, however with the Armada, I had my hands off the steering wheel  doing 50mph,then slammed the emergency brakes.First the car remained in a straight line and get this i did not feel like I being thrown forward. Some anti lock braking system on the Armada, right? Now do not try this at home folks  because while its a good feature on the Armada, its for emergencies and not child's play. All i can say is at least someone at Nissan put the consumers first on this one.

This SUVs comes highly recommended from Drivernomis.  Out of all the SUVs tested this is my absolute favorite and its not even high end. Nissan are even giving rebates to get rid of their 2010 stock. This is going for just under $50000.00. this car has surpassed all my expectation and had i kept it longer i was not going to turn it in.