#9 Nissan Patrol – Great looks, more luxury

Reliable, unbreakable, affordable: The Nissan Patrol is a name synonymous with ruggedness, a legendary off-roader capable of going anywhere, anytime. Meticulously honed for over five decades, the Patrol is Nissan's flagship large SUV model and enjoys a rich heritage that dates back to the 1950's.

Nissan Patrol 

This impressive SUV has also made its mark in Africa where it has taken explorers, travellers and adventure enthusiast on the toughest terrains our continent has to offer. The Nissan Patrol is back as an all-new seventh generation model, building on its impressive history, but at the same time, incorporating a new platform, a radical new design direction, significantly enhanced interior comfort and luxury, powerful new V8 engine, a 7-speed automatic transmission and a new 4WD system.

Large, appealing and practical 

Design

The all-new Nissan patrol is not as edgy and hardcore as its predecessor. The softer new surfaces are beautiful and add a sense of modernity to its new design, while still maintaining a ruggedness and commanding road presence. A restyled grille, which is adorned in chrome, new powerful headlamps, and a long bonnet add to its dynamic and aggressive front stance. The all-new Nissan Patrol’s profile is dominated by larger doors and windows (compared to its predecessor) and large 20-inch wheels which come as standard. New rear lights, with LEDs, are visible at the back while a roof spoiler improves the aerodynamics of the all-new Nissan Patrol.

Distinct profile 

Performance

The Nissan Patrol is one of the most powerful vehicles in its class. The key technology achieving this jump in performance over the predecessor's 4.8 litre power plant is the newly developed 'VK56VD' 5.6-litre V8 power plant, which generate 298kW (400hp) and 550Nm of torque. The power plant needs 14.1 litres of fuel per 100km and has a top speed of 200km/h. Paired with the engine is a new 7-speed automatic transmission that gives the off-roader the ability to deliver power faster.

Large spacious boot 

Ride

The  Nissan Patrol employs a Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC), which keeps the car flatter (with less body roll during lane-changing and cornering), while delivering a comfortable ride in city driving and superb stability on rugged and sandy tracks. Another crucial part of the handling equation comes from the new suspension system, which now employs 4-wheel independent suspension, upgraded from the previous rigid axle setup. The Nissan Patrol also employs a newly developed ALL MODE 4x4 system incorporating a variable 4x4 mode package. The system allows the driver to switch quickly between four drive modes: sand, on-road, snow and rock, at flick of a button.

Nissan Patrol in action 

Interior

Featuring generous amounts of leather, polished aluminium and wood grain panelling, the Nissan Patrol's interior has also been significantly upgraded. The designers wanted to create a better, higher quality interior for the whole family. The Nissan Patrol delivers seat dimensions outclass most of its rivals. Boasting wider, higher and deeper front seats, the Nissan Patrol offers over 100 mm more legroom for second row passengers and a roomier third row of seats as well.

Cockpit 

Comforts

Nissan designers paid special attention to the second row seat passengers, not only by significantly expanding legroom, but by also fitting a new multi-screen DVD entertainment system. It boasts two rear-facing TVs: One 7-inch monitor embedded into each front seat headrest.

Spacious cabin 

Fitted with six airbags for top grade, the Nissan Patrol also comes with a totally revised climate control system boasting another world-first - the curtain vent. Curtain vent has several small but highly effective vents mounted in the ceiling above each side window to blow a strong current of cool air down forming a curtain of air that acts as a barrier to heat penetrating the cabin.

Less boxy than its predecessor 

Verdict

The Nissan Patrol delivers impressive performance anyway you go. The SUVs ability to combine premium-saloon levels of luxury with great off road capability is something worth noting. Although the 5.6-litre V8 engine might not be the ideal choice on a SUV these days, you will only need to feel the incredible surge of power and the power unit’s charming soundtrack to sign the cheque. If you are in the market for a large, adequately equipped, and powerful SUV, the Nissan Patrol should be among the first choices on your list. An updated 2015 model has already been launched in Dubai. 

2015 Nissan Patrol