Well, those are the highlights but there’s even more to the all-new version of Nissan Patrol launched for 2020 including more efficient air-conditioning and an ECO mode in the V8 version. For 2020, the Nissan Patrol starts at AED 199,900.
There is a strange system of classification for SUVs that works in the UAE, and much of the Gulf region, too. There are premium vehicles, regular ones and somewhere in between, another level reserved for the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser. Now, the aggressive on-road presence and off-road icon has a bunch of changes that begins with the grille and lights, and is spread over the whole car leaving the engines untouched.
Count the changes right below or watch the video to see what is new in the ‘all-new’ Nissan Patrol 2020.
Greeting with change
As to be expected, the changes begin from the grille and the flanking headlights. The lights in the front and the rear assume boomerang shape or a wide C-shape while the V-motion grille has been interpreted for the SUV. The earlier diagonal pillars on either side of the grille has disappeared.
In the rear, Nissan has introduced sequential turn indicators for the first time though they are not as much of a light show as the sequential lights in an Audi or a Lexus. Extending across the rear, a chrome strip runs marking the all-new model with the name etched large. These are in matt finish but I assume this strip and finish could split the likes. Just as the gold metallic and pearl white colours introduced for 2020. A poll conducted among my viewers, produced largely comparable results, with the white ahead with a moderate margin. I thought the gold colour did look quite nice, for once. The 20” inch alloy wheels are even more imposing with six more spokes added to the city edition. These are placed between two dual spokes – there used to be twelve all-round the wheel. The wheels anyway looked quite good so the new rods aren’t making a remarkable positive difference!
Inside the cabin
The first thing you notice when you step inside the Nissan Patrol 2020 is the dual screen – the kind that Infiniti has. The top one is 8 inches while the bottom one is 7”. They look glossy and premium and have the functions split among them. Just behind the steering, the instrument cluster has an irregular 7” display now.
Technological enhancement in connectivity and monitoring are a few. Nissan Patrol 2020 comes with Android Auto and Apple car Play compatibility while charging gives an option of 5 ports, one of which is a C-type for the latest smart phones. Wi-fi connectivity is possible in the new Nissan Patrol. The gauges get better for the off-road buff with enhanced off-road monitoring.
Elsewhere in driver assistance tech, Nissan patrol already had blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning but the all-new Patrol comes with Intelligent Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection as well as an Intelligent Forward Collision Warning System. They are intelligent indeed because they take other vehicles around into consideration in the overall picture of an accident possibility.
Travel comfort and styling
The interior shows a striking difference as diamond-stitch quilted tan leather seats seat you comfortably in the new Patrol. If its unique colour looks familiar, it is because this styling was earlier reserved for the Nissan GT-R until the SR trim of Maxima received this special touch earlier this year. The steering wheel is also hand-stitched and underlines that the Patrol is like those in the luxury segment. Well, the enhanced wood trim and good-looking material like stone-finish is also new – except that it isn’t really wood – but impressively this is about the only area where the Patrol is not going the luxury way! The all-new model has even included ventilated cooling seats and powered lumbar support, though the latter is somewhat basic.
Nissan ride has been very easy, smooth and comfortable. The new cabin has reduced noise and vibration further, tweaked suspensions and also improved the reach and efficiency of the cooling and airflow within the cabin.
Nissan Patrol has been equipped with Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) on V8 models – the action of this feature has been tweaked to reduce body lean while driving on road and to maximize suspension stroke while off-roading – for a comfortable experience on all-terrain.
Engine with eco mode
The engines that drive the Nissan Patrol are the two trusted torque-generators – the 4.0L V6 with a 275 hp and 394 Nm output and the 5.6L V8 that brings up 400 hp and a massive 560 Nm. The all-mode 4X4 system introduced at the start of the sixth generation continues to make it easy to make the most of the power on all terrains. What is new is an Eco Mode, which is now available in the infamously thirsty V8 model – sources estimate that close to 10% improved can be achieved with prudent driving. That could add up to a substantial 70 kilometer extra kilometers to a full tank consumption!
While improving its claim for the premium SUV share, the Nissan Patrol has kept the price at an attractive AED 199,900 including VAT. The full option steps beyond 300K as one would expect.
Watch the video to see what is new for 2020 or read about the six generations of Nissan Patrol.
Nissan Patrol – the story so far
It was only a few years since the devastating war ended and car production was only returning to its normalcy. The recuperating nation needed a reliable utility vehicle that could run on diverse terrains. Nissan introduced the Patrol. When it soon became the first car to climb Mount Fuji, a 2500 m ascent up Japan’s revered icon, it was the first chapter in story of a legend.
It has been almost 70 years since. 1.9 million odd Patrols* (including the Armada models) have been produced across six generations and multiple versions. MEET THE LATEST ADVENTURE ITERATIONS OF THE PATROL Y61 SAFARI IN THIS VIDEO – the Falcon and Gazelles. Today, Nissan Patrol is driven in 150 countries across Asia, Australia, North and South America and Europe. The legend kept adding chapters to itself. While the 60 Series, the public-oriented second-generation, took on harsh surroundings, a short-wheelbase G60 Patrol was driven by an Australian explorer family across hundreds of kilometers and 1,100 sand dunes in 12 days. It was the first to cross the arduous Simpson Desert from the Northern Territory to Queensland in 1962. In 2000, Patrol captured its first Australian Outback Challenge.
The motorsport community by then had adopted Patrol as an endurance rally favourite. In 1987, the colourful Nissan Patrol Fanta Limon was the first diesel vehicle to ever finish the Paris-Dakar in the Top 10. Other than having fun with, Nissan Patrol was employed extensively by defense, humanitarian and rescue forces, in extreme conditions. Another wild and wonderful achievement came by when in 2007, led by actor Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman, extended-range Patrols supported a journey from Scotland to South Africa for the documentary Long Way Down – an epic 24,000-kilometer journey.
The current generation Patrol launched in 2010 further pushed the performance envelope, adding greater driving options and technological sophistication to drive on sand, rock, snow or regular roads with greater luxury and four-wheel independent suspension.
The bonding with the Middle East
Patrol first arrived in Kuwait in 1957. It has been since owned by royalty and celebrities and respected for its all-terrain abilities, dominant spirit and premium experience.
A part of the motoring weft and warp of the Gulf, the status of Patrol has grown in fondness and in its formidable presence. Nissan says that since 2011 alone, sales of the Patrol in the region have quadrupled. Patrol holds three Guinness World Records, made across half a decade. In August 2013, the Patrol established a record for towing the world’s heaviest aircraft more than 164 feet. In 2015 September, it climbed a 100-meter sand dune in a breathtaking 4.9 seconds and in October 2018, a record was laid out for the largest synchronised car dance, which featured 180 Patrols.
The new reversing camera in Nissan Patrol affords multiple viewing angle.
The six generations of Patrol
- (1951-1960) The first generation used a 3.7-litre, 6 cylinder engine with a 4-speed transmission yielding 85 PS.
- (1960-1980) With a new 4.0 L V6 engine, established a growing reputation as a Japanese off-roader to reckon with.
- (1980-1987) The ‘160 Patrol’ introduced creature comforts and became a favourite for desert conditions with the addition of air-conditioning.
- (1987-1997) Coil springs improved riding comfort, while a new five-speed gearbox and vacuum-operated differential lock improved the driving performance.
- (1997-2010) Automatic gearbox, electric windows and mirrors, and chilled icebox made it a modern adventurer. In 2004, a Station Wagon version offered seating for up to ten, while an extra 40-litre fuel tank allowed long-range off-road adventures. A gas version and a turbo diesel engine version were available.
- (2010-2019) Launched in Abu Dhabi, this Patrol brought a new platform, a new 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine, and 7-speed transmission. Poised to win the Middle East over, interior comfort and luxury was improved. It also featured a world-first in Hydraulic Body Motion Control System while the ALL MODE 4×4 system made it possible to switch among four drive modes.
WATCH THE NEWEST ADVENTURE ITERATIONS OF THE PATROL Y61 SAFARI – the Falcon and Gazelles.
