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Nissan is intensifying cosmetic makeover in its entire product line-up to starve-off competitions and essentially uphold the status of the Nissan Patrol SUV as one of the best-known and longest established nameplates on the global 4WD (four-wheel drive) scene.
Now redesigned with an unprecedented zest and ergonomics, the more than six decade-old nameplate has returned with a futuristic look that stands out for its unique combination of the most recent technologies and new design DNA.
Assembled in Nigeria at Stallion NMN plant in Lagos, the new Y62 Patrol as is fondly called epitomises Nissan’s tagline: ‘Innovation that excites.’
Immediate past Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, acknowledged the ergonomics and adroitness of the made-in-Nigeria Y62 Patrol when he, in company of some government officials, took delivery of the Patrol in Abuja two years ago.
Jonathan had said: “I’m quite happy that Nissan has demonstrated the reality of exporting cars from Nigeria is possible which suggest we can soon as a nation export vehicles to other parts of the world.”
Nissan said the new Patrol adapts to the needs of consumers by breaking away from its “utilitarian off-roader” status to become urbane-friendly SUV with far more refined proposition that offers a dramatically improved ride quality and fuel economy than its predecessor.
Stallion NMN head of sales and marketing, Mr. Amit Sharma, attested to the Patrol’s expediency, saying “the new Y62 Patrol isn’t the previous workhorse but a technologically savvy SUV imbued with all the expediency of a luxury sedan.”
According to Sharma, “Just as the new Patrol easily conquers a long uphill task with its exceptionally modified V8 torque, so does its multi-mode grip compensates for rocks and loose sand when driven on rough roads and in deep water.”
He said the new Nissan Patrol is undoubtedly one of Nissan’s most revolutionary designs ever in the Patrol’s 62-year history and it incorporates the most innovative, highest quality, highest value luxury SUV in Nissan history.
Compared with Toyota’s Land Cruiser 200 Series, the new Patrol offers substantial ground clearance of 283mm which is 58mm greater than rear axle Land Cruiser 200 Series.
The Patrol also matches Toyota’s maximum wading depth of 700mm, but breathes through the left-side guard vent, simplifying the fitment of an aftermarket snorkel.
Naturally aspirated, the Y62 Patrol comes equipped with a big V8 engine that delivers 298kw of power and 560Nm of torque – 90 per cent of which is available from just 1,600 rpm that can make 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.6 seconds.
International test drivers affirm that the Patrol engine is undeniably a driver’s delight with an advanced seven-speed automatic transmission with sophisticated and electronically controlled all-mode 4X4 system.
“When in auto mode for instance, the torque split between the front and rear wheels on a 50/50 variable basis depending on road surfaces and at the touch of a button, a switch activates 4WD high for semi-serious off-road conditions or 4WD low for the really heavy stuff,” one of the drivers explained.
The Patrol SUV is certainly fun to drive. It offers four terrain options: Sand, Snow, Rock and On-road – at the touch of a button and so it, is in-hill descent and rear differential locks.
At city speeds and crawling around off-road, the broad spread of ratios is perfectly matched to the smooth delivery of torque from the 5.6-litre V8 and on the highway the Patrol lopes along at 110km/h with the engine seemingly only a tick above idle.
And when stoked, it responds with a throaty induction-snarl matched by impressive acceleration, particularly when overtaking.
In a world’s first, the Patrol employs advanced HBMC System with 4-wheel independent suspension that works with the chassis and body frame to give the vehicle superb stability on rugged and sandy terrain, while also delivering comfortable ride in the city.
The Patrol is, in spite of this, well-designed for exceptional off-road tasks with an enhanced 3500kg towing capacity that could be employed in hauling a luxury cruise boat around town.
The Y62 SUV isn’t priced cheap though. It is noticeably aimed fairly and squarely at the upper luxury SUV market.
Features
Standard in both variants of the Y62 Patrol range are Bluetooth phone and audio streaming; large format front DVD player; a 2GB hard drive music server with 13 speakers; USB and iPod connectivity; steering wheel audio controls; intelligent key access; eight-way power assisted driver’s seat; drive computer, three-zone climate control, front, side and curtain airbags with active front headrests. In addition are around view camera, 600ml cool box with dual side openings. The Patrol LE however gets separate seven-inch DVD screens in the rear of the front seat headrests with power operated tailgate.
Interior
The new Patrol is one of the largest cars in the luxury SUV category. It’s bigger in all exterior dimensions when compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser and, not surprisingly, it’s also heavier. There’s plenty of interior space and the sort of comfort levels that you expect from a vehicle that can cost in excess of NGN17m including wood grain finishes, and up-market dash layout and high quality finishes.
The Patrol is also functional. With all three rows of seats occupied, there’s still 550 litres of storage space and when the second and third row seats are folded, the new Patrol can provide 3100 litres with a virtually flat floor.
Driving
The big V8 engine is beautifully quiet and smooth on the road especially in an ideal long-distance journey, where you need to transport up to eight occupants. And at highway speeds, the Patrol’s excellent wind and tyre noise insulation is apparent. No doubt, the Patrol is generally quiet and refined. Handling is enhanced by Nissan’s new Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) on the suspensions to reduce body roll.
Compared with its luxury rivals, the new Patrol has much off-road capability. And in crowded motor parks, you can be rest assured you won’t bump into other cars with dedicated parking aids such as a reversing camera, all-round parking sensors and an around-view monitor.
Verdict
Nissan’s latest SUV is packed with the most technologically imbued gadgets ever, thus wielding significant quality and performance over competitions such as Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX570, Mercedes Benz GL-Class and the Range Rover.
