Nissan Patrol; Review

 

ALMOST bang on cue Nissan have given their well-performing Patrol a facelift.

Even though the Patrol has been around for many years, the large four-wheel-drive station wagon received a major life cycle change in 2002, and the current makeover is representative of the changes most Japanese companies make to enhance their models as they age gracefully.

Changes to the Patrol are quite extensive, not only in looks but also mechanically, although the design alterations are the most distinctive. According to Nissan, every panel, bar the roof, has been altered. The grille and frontal area now incorporate the Nissan family look, while new headlamps and bonnet provide a more streamlined profile, bigger wheels (17in) and broad guards also make the Patrol seem more aggressive.

Inside, there's an all-new trim which features a lot of alloy-coloured garnish. The seats are finished in black leather, the contrasts work well.

The Patrol buyer gets the choice of two engine options ? a 4.8-litre six-cylinder petrol engine (Ti) or a 3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel (ST-L). The test car was the latter, and it has had a minor power boost up to 118kW from 116kW. The torque figure remains the same, but Nissan say they have improved the torque characteristics to provide better on and off-road ability.

The petrol engine's output remains unchanged, although it is hooked to a five-speed automatic transmission, the oil burner retains a four-speed unit. That's no detraction, though, the engine is a beauty, easily hauling in the four speeder's ratio gaps. Nissan have developed it so that it delivers flexible performance, and economy, with low noise levels. While it is audible at idle and under acceleration and deceleration, when cruising, at no matter what speed, it is quiet with barely any under-bonnet noise entering the cabin.

The Patrol also whisks through the air quietly.

Developing its maximum power at just 3600rpm and a healthy 354Nm of torque at just 2000rpm, the twin-camshaft, turbocharged and intercooled engine offers enormous low revolution grunt. It works solidly through its power band with enough power to counteract the inhibiting nature of a torque convertor.

The gearbox has a power mode option and a push-button overdrive selector which effectively locks out or brings in fourth gear. Using either mode means gaining highway speed can be achieved efficiently. Gears shift with strong fluid motion but are ushered in without shock.

Shifting 2350kg is no easy task, yet the Patrol gets up and moves when requested. It can accelerate to 100kmh from a standstill in 11.1sec and will reach 120kmh from 80kmh in 9.5sec using third gear.

At cruising speed the engine is turning over at just 2250rpm (100kmh), fairly close to the area of maximum torque. Because of this, the Patrol is eager to go quicker, taking a bit of holding back to the speed limit. Unlike its petrol-engined stablemate, cruise control isn't fitted.

However, the Patrol is all about cross-country transport and, sadly, not enough owners use vehicles like this to anywhere near their full potential. Built to offer outstanding off-road travel, the Patrol has a suspension and drive system able to take the rough, but deliver in-cabin comfort that doesn't shake nor unsettle its occupants.

Live axles front and rear give an indication of its capability. Some might argue that it is a bit more rugged than necessary, but the fact is that live axles give the best articulation over uneven ground. The coil springs, multiple-links and stabilisers keep the body as upright as possible, while the full ladder chassis offers a solidity underneath that takes away the fear of the unknown.

Ordinarily, drive is carried through the rear wheels only, but as soon as the secondary lever is shifted through its gate four-wheel-drive is initiated and the freewheeling front hubs are automatically engaged. The latter can be locked manually if desired, as can the centre differential through a console-mounted push button.

The low ratio transfer case offers a good spread of off-road gear choices. On my off-road excursion, over some rocky, boulder-strewn river tracks, the Patrol eased with precision, its overall mass helps keep wheel-to-ground contact and the big Bridgestone Dueler (275/65) tyres have a grippy tread pattern which helps eliminate wheelspin, while a ground clearance at 210mm means few obstacles stand in its way.

The Patrol is built around well-tried mechanicals and its platform is capable of offering reasonable on-road performance, bearing in mind that it does feel every bit like the big station wagon it is. Corner turn-in needs a little bit of forethought because reaction time to steering input isn't instant, and a push at the front end reminds the driver that the Patrol doesn't have dynamic handling balance.

The ride seems to float a little, which delivers comfort, although there is an underlying firmness which is apparent when uneven road surfaces are encountered.

At $66,970 and $78,970 for the diesel and petrol models respectively, the Patrol compares well pricewise to other big 4WD recreational station wagons, and even though the ST-L doesn't carry as much equipment as the Ti, it wants for little.

Leather is used extensively and also wraps the steering wheel. Other fitment includes air conditioning, high power tape and CD-playing audio, central locking with remote, and dual air bags. Another safety feature is the inclusion of ABS. It works on four-wheel-discs, and even though the brakes are under a lot of mass weight pressure, they work with strong effect.

The Patrol is recognised widely as a capable off-roader, its drivetrain dealing well to the extremes. However, it is also known for its finesse as an urban lifestyler able to carry up to seven adults with space to burn. My children especially like the aircraft-type trays mounted to the rear of the front seats.

The rear station wagon section incorporates two fold-down seats both with full lap and shoulder seat belts. Comfort and safety in the rear is only compromised by the lap belt in the middle rear seat, however, the occupant area is huge and offers good space.

The changes Nissan have made to the Patrol will see it fresh for the next few years; not only does it compete well with its main rival, the Toyota Land Cruiser, but all the players in the medium-to-large RV market.