Patrol adds weight to off-road credentials
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday February 20, 2010
Nissan has bulked up its iconic four-wheel-drive to lift both its level of luxury and adventure-seeking ability. BRUCE NEWTON reports from Abu Dhabi. LONGER, wider, taller and heavier: it's hardly the recipe for success in a climate where the car industry is coming under increasing scrutiny over its carbon emissions. But that sums up the new version of Nissan's iconic Patrol four-wheel-drive.The Patrol has grown almost 10 centimetres to more than five metres long. It's also about 270 kilograms heavier than the previous model, weighing in at a hefty 2780 kilograms. That makes it the heaviest private passenger vehicle on Australian roads.Much of the extra bulk has come from new technology and features designed to move the 4WD on from its trusty workhorse roots to a competitor for luxury rivals.Fans of the previous model need not worry, though, as the current-generation Patrol will continue to be sold alongside the new model when it arrives next year.The plan by Nissan to hedge its bets was confirmed at the debut of the new Patrol in Abu Dhabi by program director Carla Bailo."In key markets, we will continue selling the old Patrol to make sure we are bridging the gap," Ms Bailo said. "For the customers who still want the rugged, simple performance, we will still provide that."However, a Nissan Australia spokesman would not confirm the plan, only saying it was under consideration.Ms Bailo was speaking after Nissan president and chief executive Carlos Ghosn had presented the new Patrol to 1000 guests at the seven-star Emirates Palace hotel.With the Middle East the Patrol's biggest market, priority has been given to left-hand-drive production, so Gulf customers will be able to buy the Patrol from April. Right-hand-drive Patrols won't roll out of Nissan's Kyushu plant in Japan until next year.The new Nissan Patrol abandons live axles for all-independent suspension and part-time mechanical 4WD is replaced by Nissan's full-time electronically controlled All-Mode 4x4 system. It also has no manual gearbox option.No pricing has been revealed but it is likely to be more expensive, lining up in price against rival Toyota's LandCruiser 200 Series. The new Patrol is significantly bigger and heavier than the LandCruiser.To haul the heft, the Patrol's V8 engine option has grown in size from 4.8 litres to 5.6 litres and will be matched to a seven-speed automatic gearbox.A diesel €” and probably a manual gearbox €” will be added before it is launched in Australia, with a Renault-sourced 3.0-litre V6 favoured to slip under the bonnet.Nissan says the petrol V8, which employs direct injection and variable valve timing, will deliver "class leading" fuel economy. Importantly for the expected few V8 petrol customers in Australia, the tank capacity grows from 95 litres or 125 litres (depending on the old Patrol model) to 140 litres.The Patrol's seven-speed automatic transmission is a development of the unit featured in the 370Z sports car. It is recalibrated to cope with the Patrol's extra torque and for better economy.The Patrol deserves the oft-abused term "all new". It rides on a fundamentally overhauled body-on-frame architecture.While the Patrol has been pushed dramatically upmarket to satisfy the demands of customers in the Middle East, Nissan insists the new Patrol should significantly outperform its predecessor off-road, as well as being a far superior drive on-road.Importantly, it will match the previous model's huge 3500-kilogram brakedtowing capacity.The new Patrol's All-Mode 4x4 system allows the driver to dial between four modes; sand, on-road, snow and rocks. Other aspects of the system include a lockable centre differential and a lockable helical limited-slip rear differential for superior traction.The Patrol continues to seat eight passengers. Nissan claims 100 millimetres more legroom for second-row passengers and improvement in the third row. The third row also now folds into the floor, helping improve luggage space.While many specification details were held back at the international unveiling and drive, Nissan confirmed the Patrol would be fitted with a maximum six airbags.The comfort equipment list also includes an individual multi-screen DVD system and roof-mounted air vents. Also available are a cool box, 9.3-gigabyte hard drive, satellite navigation, a 360-degree camera monitoring system and a power-lift tailgate.with RICHARD BLACKBURN
© 2010 Sydney Morning Herald
