A new Patrol from the ground up is something that happens once a decade at best. Nissan's current GU Patrol has been in the market, with infrequent facelifts and upgrades, since 1997 -- a full 13-year tenure.
So the altogether new seventh-generation model unveiled overnight in the Middle-Eastern venue of Abu Dhabi is big news for fans of the Japanese SUV. Unfortunately, we're told by Nissan Australia that it's unlikely to reach Australia this year, since the left-hand drive market demand must be sated first.
At any rate, the latest iteration of the first 4WD to cross the Simpson Desert in 1962 offers substantially more power, comfort and refinement than that illustrious predecessor. There's V8 engine power driving through a seven-speed automatic transmission to a new drive system -- all riding on an entirely new platform.
"We paid special attention to the needs of current Patrol owners, and their passengers, and so focused on creating first-class levels of comfort for the whole family," Hiroyuki Fushiki, project head and Segment Chief Product Specialist, was quoted as saying in Nissan's press material for the new vehicle.
"Heightened luxury, a roomier cabin and a quieter ride combine to achieve this goal, while maintaining Patrol's superior off-road heritage".
The Patrol features styling given the tick of approval by Middle East research clinics, wrapped around larger dimensions and improved interior packaging. Rear-seat passengers can luxuriate in an extra 100mm of legroom and the kids in the third-row seating will find the accommodation better also.
For local buyers, when the Patrol arrives here, it will be the new 5.6-litre V8 engine that will stir up all the excitement. Featuring VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) plus DIG (Direct Injection Gasoline) induction, the new engine is good for 400hp (298kW) and 550Nm of torque. That output is channelled through the new seven-speed automatic transmission to four-wheel independent suspension (Nissan claims that Patrol owners only travel offroad 15 per cent of the time, on average).
The independent suspension incorporates HBMC (Hydraulic Body Motion Control System) to ensure that the Patrol corners flatter without detriment to on-road ride. Nissan makes no claims for wheel articulation and offroad ability over the previous model's live-axle system.
Traction is handled by a new drive system, ALL MODE 4x4. Four different drive modes are available to the driver, for differing conditions, be they sand, on-road, snow and rock. To change mode, the driver merely need flick a switch.
The new Patrol also offers Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control, which can be enabled by the press of a button. While descending, Hill Descent Control will limit speed to 7km/h in high-range 4WD or 4km/h in low-range. Braking has been upgraded with larger front disc rotors (358mm) and braking performance is also improved with a new hydraulic booster and four-piston front callipers for the new Patrol. An on-board Tyre Pressure Monitor System notifies the driver with a beep of the horn when an appropriate tyre pressure has been selected.
Inside the new Patrol -- and Australia specification is yet to be decided -- a rear-seat entertainment system comprises seven-inch DVD monitors mounted in the rear of the front-seat headrests.
Nissan engineers have addressed passive safety concerns for the new Patrol by specifying six airbags for the high-grade level of trim. For comfort, the Patrol gains a new climate control system with an exclusive innovation, the curtain vent, which blows cool air down from above the side windows, creating an insulating barrier against conductive heat. A cool box in the centre console can stow as many as six 600ml bottles and, with a double-hinged lid, provides easy access from either the driver's seat or the front passenger's.
According to Nissan, these changes introduced with the new Patrol now confer upon the SUV market leadership in its segment.
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