NISSAN PATROL

Nissan have just released the latest model of the Nissan Patrol. It is one of the earliest 4WD vehicles with a heritage that goes back to the 1950’s. The latest seventh generation has undergone more than just a transformation.

Nissan Patrol

It now has a restyled front chrome bumper, headlights, air intakes and the whole rear. It now looks even more gigantic compared to the previous model. This is further enhanced thanks to the huge 20 inch wheels that come fitted as standard on every Patrol.

Restyled rear

The same is also repeated under the bonnet. It now has a huge 5.6 litre V8 with VVEL (variable valve event and lift) and DIG (direct injection gasoline) technologies that generates 400hp. Connected to the engine is a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

Gigantic compared to the previous model 

This has an overall fuel consumption of 14.1 litres for every 100km covered. However one can order one with the old 5.6 litre V8 engine that has output power of 320 hp. This however has a higher fuel consumption of 15.8 litres for every 100km covered. Both engines have a top speed of 200km/h.

Host of airbags for occupant safety

With the new Patrol comes with Hydraulic Body Motion Control System (HBMC), which keeps the huge SUV flatter with less body roll during lane-changing and cornering. It also helps it deliver a comfortable ride in city driving and superb stability on rugged and sandy tracks. Another crucial part of handling equation comes from the new suspension system, which now employs 4-wheel independent suspension, upgraded from the previous rigid axle setup.

Plenty of room for seven occupants

Nissan has completely redesigned the vehicle's suspension from the bushes to the links. The combination of HBMC and the new suspension system now deliver a significantly improved handling and stability on both on- and off-road terrain.

Wood and leather compliment the interior

The Nissan Patrol also employs a newly developed ALL MODE 4x4 system incorporating a variable 4x4 mode package. It allows the driver to quickly switch between four drive modes: SAND, ON-ROAD, SNOW AND ROCK, with the flick of a switch. It also has Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control which can also be selected easily with the touch of a button.

Mighty V8 heart

With Hill Start Assist, if a driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal, the system keeps the vehicle stationary. Hill Descent Control uses the brakes to maintain a constant downhill speed of 7km/h in 4H mode and 4km/h in 4L mode. The new model has a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with tire inflation indicator which beeps the horn softly to inform drivers that a suitable tire pressure has been reached.

Patrol in action

Thanks to it huge overall design it now has a roomer interior. It now has wider, higher and deeper front seats, it has 100mm more legroom for second row passengers, and a roomier third row of seats as well. The new interior now incorporates use of leather, polished aluminum and wood grain paneling. The rear passengers will now enjoy a new multi-screen DVD entertainment system. 

Rear passenger entertainment

It has two small headrest screens and the 7 inch screen at the front. The rear windows now come tinted and occupants will enjoy a cooler environment thanks to something called curtain vent.

Restyled front cockpit 

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. There is also a cool box mounted in the centre console between the front seats.

Although it has not been introduced in Kenya, I am sure DT. Dobie are working on its debut. Prices start at $100,000 or Kshs. 8.5 million excluding taxes.