Good overview, one quibble though: "...it is actually a bit longer, wider and shorter. ..." How can it be both longer and shorter? Maybe you mean it is less tall than than the outgoing Pathy? Just a bit confusing the way it is worded.
As for the actual vehicle, having owned a 2002 for a few years and many kms, I think this is a good move for Nissan. As the article mentions, if you need off-road, then they have better options. It is unfortunate that not a single styling cue was carried over, such as the higher mounted rear door handle. Oh well, a complete clean sheet can be a good thing.