After more than half a decade since its Aussie debut, the ageing Nissan Patrol SUV gets the major facelift it rightly deserves (though it did receive a minor update in 2017). Launched recently in one of its key markets, the Middle East, the refreshed Patrol is slated to hit Australian showrooms by the end of the year, most likely in Ti and Ti-L guises with a V8.
The Patrol gains the latest Nissan design language, receiving a refreshed front and rear fascia that looks like it finally belongs in the right decade as the pre-facelift model looked rather aged.
The 2020 Patrol employs the brand’s V-motion grille up front flanked on either side by its new boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and LED headlights. At the back, it too sports boomerang-shaped taillights that’s accented with a chrome bar cum nameplate that bridges it. The Patrol also debuts sequential rear indicators, a first for the brand.
The interior on the other hand, while refreshed, remains largely unchanged. The previous button-centric centre console now features a screen serving up infotainment featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while satellite navigation is displayed via a second screen just above it.
Furthermore, the new Patrol receives diamond-stitch quilted leather seats with added padding that can be optioned with climate control and powered lumbar support for the front pair. The steering wheel too, is wrapped in hand-stitched leather.
The marque claims to have significantly reduced the Patrol’s NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) levels in the cabin for more a pleasant experience. The HVAC system too has been optimised for quicker cooling and better air flow, which will certainly come in handy for customers in hot climates like the Middle East for example.
At launch, this body-on-frame model is offered up with the choice of either a 4.0-litre V6 producing 205kW and 394Nm or the full-fat 5.6-litre V8 with 298kW and 560Nm of torque, driving all four wheels via a seven-speed torque converter automatic. The latter is carried over from the pre-facelift model and is slated to be the sole engine option when it lands here.
Nissan is offering V8 variants of the Patrol with Hydraulic Body Motion Control, a dampening system technology developed for full-size SUVs to reduce leaning while cornering to improve chassis control and ride comfort – especially off-road.
The new Patrol packs the brand’s safety suite which includes the Intelligent (autonomous) Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning System. Nissan Australia has yet to confirm its pricing. Stay tuned to this space for more updates.
For more information on the Nissan Patrol, please visit our Showroom.
