Nissan Patrol (2020): A plush, V8 bundu basher

Despite having only been available within the local market for a few years, the current Y62 generation Nissan Patrol has been around in various markets since 2010, making this a decade-old off-roader. Recently, Nissan launched the enhanced Patrol and made it available for us to test for a few days.

As a massively popular form of transport in the oil-rich Middle East, the Patrol has been less successful within the local market. This may have to do with the fact that it competes with the stalwart Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and the more modern Land Rover Discovery, all of which offer plush, seven-seat SUV packages that can go pretty much anywhere you point them.

The updated Patrol aims to remedy its less than satisfactory sales performance by luring buyers with updated styling, enhanced specification and new technology that brings the big Nissan up to date with its Toyota rival, which was also updated recently.

Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Toyota Land Cruiser 200

Styling

The updates made to the Patrol’s exterior are immediately noticeable, with Nissan adding what it calls its V-Motion front grille along with a reshaped LED headlights while the liberal use of chrome makes for an imposing front-end. At the rear, the so-called ‘boomerang-shape’ prevails in the taillamp design which integrates with a large chrome strip the spans the length of the rear-end. The side profile remains intact from the previous model but does get a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels. Overall, the design of the Patrol is best described as polarising, with a few people I asked remarking that it looks ostentatious while others feel that it has a great presence. 

Interior and space

Even though this is an updated model, the interior appears dated. Dominating the interior aesthetic is a console festooned with buttons while the wood trim, or should I say, plas-teak panels appear cheap. Aside from the aged interior, which includes a foot-operated parking brake, you most certainly will not feel short-changed when it comes to the amount of leather and space on offer.

Cows hide covers most of the cabin which offers three rows of seating along with an impressive 467-litre boot. Fold the third row of seats down and you will have 1 413-litres of space. With both rear rows of seating folded flat, there is an incredible 2 623-litres of space, or enough to fit two 29-inch mountain bikes. As for occupant space, there is ample in the first two rows, while third-row is respectably large, but not exactly luxurious.

Comfort and convenience

There is quite a bit in terms of its standard specification. There is an 8.0-inch infotainment system which lacks smartphone integration, but is functional while the 13-speaker Bose sound system is exceptional. Expect niceties such as multi-zone climate control, a heated multi-function steering wheel, keyless entry, a sunroof(which looks tiny), electrically adjustable steering column/mirrors and seats which are also heated and ventilated up front. There are also screens embedded in the back of the front seats, providing rear entertainment which also includes wireless headphones and a remote.

Related: New Nissan Patrol arrives in SA

Performance

The engine dominates the figures in the new Patrol. Its VK56VD 5.6-litre naturally aspirated motor produces 298 kW and 560 Nm of torque. A seven-speed automatic gearbox sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a braked towing capacity of 3 500kg while offering a monstrous 272 mm of ground clearance.

Despite offering a relatively fuss-free on-road driving experience, you are most certainly aware of its mass and high centre of gravity when on the road. The refinement and ride quality makes it very soft and luxurious, however, there is a definite wallow evident when heading through corners or when a sudden change of direction is needed. With a kerb weight of over 2 700kg, I was not expecting it to be the definition of driving dynamics, but it did take some getting used to its heft.

This car comes into its own when heading off-road though, with a 4-wheel limited-slip differential along with the brand's Intelligent 4x4 system. When approaching your desired off-road obstacle, toggle through the switch behind the gear lever and choose between Auto, 4WD-High and push for 4WD-Low and then select your terrain which includes a Sand, Road, Rock and Snow mode.

I was amazed at how easy the big Nissan made my local off-road route look. I utilised its linear power delivery and masses of low-down torque to crawl through a muddy section that usually results in mud flinging and a rather dramatic scene.

Fuel economy

That 5.6-litre V8 is not exactly renowned for its eco-credentials, belching-out 334 g/km of CO2 while sipping fuel at a claimed rate of 14.4L/km. When receiving a car on test, the general rule of thumb is that the claimed manufacturer fuel consumption figure is optimistic, which when looking at the claimed figure, was rather daunting. I am happy to report that it is only marginally thirstier than Nissan claims, with my consumption figure for a three-day sting comes to 15.3 L/100km. The consumption along with the massive 100 + 40-litre fuel tank means that you will still struggle to get 900 km out of a tank when taking on your next journey.

Safety

The Nissan has not been subjected to any new car assessment programme to ascertain its safety in the event of an accident. On paper it appears to have the necessary credentials though with six airbags, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitor, Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, adaptive cruise control, traction and stability control, hill descent control and ABS with EBD.

Pricing

With pricing at R1 530 900, the Patrol manages to undercut both the Land Cruiser 200 VX-R and the Discovery HSE Td6 by a small margin while offering a great deal of standard specification. bear in mind that the Nissan only comes with a 3-year/90 000km service plan, less than key rivals, but offers a best-in-class 6-year/150 000km warranty.

Verdict

It is easy to see the Nissan Patrol as a dinosaur of the automotive world, however, from a South African perspective, there is still most certainly a market for the Patrol and vehicles of its ilk. With space, power, comfort and a promise of bullet-proof reliability, there are more modern propositions out there, but few with the excessive charm of the big Nissan.

 If I were to traverse the wilder parts of our beautiful continent with absolute confidence and in luxury, my weapon of choice would be either a Patrol or a Land Cruiser 200, simply because they are proven overland exploration vehicles. It comes down to whether you prefer petrol or diesel, or down to brand preference, as both products are fantastic at what they do.

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