A stunning combination of sophisticated ruggedness and refined off-roading capabilities, the Nissan Patrol (Y63) is a user-friendly, safe, intelligent, and versatile SUV
Khalid Zakwani
The off-roading world has been eagerly anticipating Nissan’s flagship 4×4 for some time. The all new Y63 or just Nissan Patrol has burst into our world in a very big way, quite literally.
Nissan is showcasing its latest technological mastery in this Patrol. And what a stunning combination of sophisticated ruggedness and refined off-roading capabilities in an ever-saturated world of 4×4 vehicles. An unmistakable presence has finally arrived to our shores.
Exterior
The Nissan Patrol is attractively muscular and sleekly designed, highlighted up front by the ever present and distinctive V-Motion grill that is very visible from far away.
It encompasses the adaptive driving headlights with a well illuminated day driving lights. The rear is nicely designed to mirror the width of the car with a full strip of lightbar. And an imposingly attractive 22-inch alloy wheel highlights the cars stance and complements the overall off-roading look.
The Patrol’s dimensions are impressive, with it being 5.350m long, 2.030m wide, 1.955m tall with a wheel base of 3.075m. The car is ever slightly bigger but yet its new sleek lines make it look more compact.
Interior
The interior of the Nissan Patrol looks so comfortable and is packed with premium materials for all its trims. The quilted leather seats look like a Japanese inspired design pattern that is made from high dampening foam for amazing seat comfort that is very supportive and relaxing to be in.
The driver and front passenger are spoiled to have a 4-way pneumatic lumbar support with massage function to make long drives ever more relaxing.
A very spacious cabin has a large panoramic sunroof that gives the cabin, with three rows of seats, an airy and roomy feel. The smart seating system allows very easy access to the third row without moving a child seat.
On command, the power folding third row seats are just a button away.
Fold the second and third row of seats and you have plenty of room to sleep three adults on a camping trip.
The Nissan Patrol has become very user-friendly with all the new easy-to-read and clear twin 14.3inch screens that adorn the driver and front passenger. All the data of the vehicle and its surroundings are simultaneously displayed – with so many options on hand, it is easy to choose what option you want in quick touch screen sensitivity to help keep your eyes on the road.
The immersive 12 speaker sound system from Klipsch is very rewarding when listening to your favourite tunes, with crystal clear sounds that are aided with Dynamic Audio Reveal technology. This ensures consistent clarity and depth by adjusting audio equalisation based on environmental conditions while the 3D surround delivers a rich concert like sound experience for never ending entertainment.
Second row passengers will welcome the new twin 12.8inch entertainment screens that has the ability to stream movies or enjoy games by connecting their individual devices through Miracast, HDMI or USB.
The all new frame with very absorbent sound proofing materials are also aided with the Damping Acoustic Glass to make the cabin very quiet from outside noise.
Safety
Nissan’s Pro Pilot technology is featured in the Patrol using an intuitive and user-friendly driving assistance in steering, braking and accelerating and help keeping you in your lane.
The Advance Panorama view system gives an ultra-wide view with a 170º field of vision as well as assisting with an invisible hood view for those pesky sidewalks, so no more excuses’ of chipping your nice 22inch wheel rims. Also, a very handy 360º rotating camera that provides 3D view greatly assists in detecting any obstacles from all angles while maneuvering the car into or out of tight parking space.
Seven airbags, including knee airbags.
Intelligent automatic emergency braking, with pedestrian detection alerts to any potential collision, applies brakes if needed. Also, intelligent forward collision warning will engage in case of any imminent frontal collision while the intelligent rear view mirror and rear zoom view helps to enhance rear visibility on this big 4×4 – the rear automatic emergency braking will apply brakes to prevent rear collisions.
There is a lot of new intelligent options on the Patrol to continuously monitor and assist to make the daily commute safe and easy.
Engine and transmission
Gone is the V8 and replaced by a gem of an engine. The Patrol gets a more powerful V6TT engine 3.5ltr twin turbo producing 425hp @5,600rpm, 700Nm of torque @3,600rpm. This engine also manages not just more power but is also more fuel efficient.
The 9-speed automatic transmission that has very smooth gear changes for such a big 4×4. It also has paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience.
Driving
There are 6 drive modes to choose from – Standard, Eco, Sport, Sand, Rock and Mud. Eco does exactly as it says – very economical for easy driving around town and traffic. Normal is almost like Eco but with more emphasis on using the necessary power output needed. (Normal is the go-to mode when starting the car up.)
Other modes were not used as sadly no off-roading was experimented on this test drive. However, the Sport mode was used on some twisty road sections up and down mountain roads and was very engaging and rewarding to use.
The Nissan Patrol has a very healthy amount of torque to play with and utilising the 9-speed gearbox through the paddle shifters gave very smooth and seamless transition throughout all the gears, no matter what the rpm was.
The Patrol’s new and improved frame improves the dynamic torsional rigidity to reduce vibration and enhance driving experience for a more fluid driving experience that makes this big 4×4 feel more compact than it really is.
E-Damper technology provides adaptive handling for a variety of driving conditions and greatly enhances how easily this car glides through all the conditions we pursued.
New innovative adaptive air suspension allows adjustable ride height for improved on-road and off-road performance. It is an added feature that makes it easier for passengers to enter and exit the car, for loading and unloading, and for a better handling drive and a more optimised off-road performance.
Engaging the off-road mode raises the suspension for better ground clearance to tackle differing terrain. Shift it back to park and it will lower the ride height by 7cm for easier access.
This Patrol has an on-board air compressor tucked away very neatly in the boot of the car, a well-placed gadget for the off-roading enthusiast that is such a vital tool to have nowadays. It is a simple piece that is equipped with a digital display to make tyre inflation and deflation a breeze.
This car is also equipped with a standard Emergency Kit and a very handy off-road kit that has all the essential tools – a rope, soft shackle, jumper cable, recovery board, hand gloves, folding shovel, and torch with hammer, besides a multi-tool kit, camping light and a camping stool. Talk about being prepared, Nissan!
We love this all new Patrol that is so capable off-road but also seamlessly transitions into your everyday 7-seater/comfortable cruiser. Ideally, you can drop off the kids to school, right after your camping trip, with no hassle at all.
© 2021 Apex Press and Publishing. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Mesdac