2010 Nissan Armada review

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When King Philip II of Spain tried to invade England in 1588, he used a huge flotilla of ships called an armada. It was a giant attack force designed to strike terror into the hearts of anyone that saw it approaching.

Stand next to the Nissan Armada and you might see the comparison, for this road-going SUV is as big as vehicles come without becoming trucks. It competes with behemoths like Toyota’s huge Sequoia, and will seat up to eight on three rows of seats. The seats can be arranged in myriad ways and all except the driver’s chair will fold flat for multiple luggage/passenger options.

There are also plenty of storage spaces, reflecting the car’s likely use as a family car. There are cubby holes overhead and under-floor storage in the boot, as well as a standard electrical plug socket for things like mobile phone chargers.

Rather than relying on sails, the Armada gets its thrust from a 5.6-litre V8 engine that puts out 320bhp. That might sound like a lot, but remember that the Armada weighs more than three tonnes, so don’t expect face-melting acceleration. The motor is attached to a five-speed automatic gearbox that drives all four wheels.

Two models are available – mid-level SE and the top-of-the-line LE. Standard features include rear-parking sensors and a powered tailgate – useful to those not tall enough to reach the boot lid when it’s open.

Options include Nissan’s Intelligent Key, which allows the Armada to be opened and started without removing the key from a pocket or bag. A rear-view parking camera, DVD entertainment system and Bluetooth phone connectivity can also be specified.

Safety features include ABS, VDC (electronic stability control), brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. Front, side and curtain airbags are available.

SOURCE: http://automiddleeast.com/2010-nissan-armada/