Nissan is intensifying cosmetic makeover in its entire product line-up to starve-off competitions and essentially uphold the status of the Nissan Patrol SUV as one of the best-known and longest established nameplates on the global 4WD (four-wheel drive) scene.
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]edesigned with an unprecedented zest and ergonomics, the more than six decades old nameplate has returned with a futuristic look that stands out for its unique combination of the most recent technologies and new design DNA.
Assembled in Nigeria at Stallion NMN plant in Lagos, the new Y62 Patrol, as it’s fondly called, epitomises Nissan’s tagline: ‘Innovation that excites.’
Erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged the ergonomics and adroitness of the locally assembled Y62 Patrol, when he, in company of some government officials, took delivery of the SUV in Abuja two years ago.
He said: “I’m quite happy that Nissan has demonstrated that exporting cars from Nigeria is possible, which suggests we can soon as a nation export vehicles to other parts of the world.”
Nissan says the new Patrol adapts to the needs of consumers by breaking away from its “utilitarian off-roader” status to become urbane-friendly SUV with far more refined proposition that offers a dramatically improved ride quality and fuel economy than its predecessor.
Stallion NMN head of sales and marketing Mr. Amit Sharma attested to the Patrol’s expediency, saying “the new Y62 Patrol isn’t the previous workhorse but a technologically savvy SUV imbued with all the expediency of a luxury sedan.
“Just as the new Patrol easily conquers a long uphill task with its exceptionally modified V8 torque,” affirmed Mr. Sharma, “so does its multi-mode grip compensate for rocks and loose sand when driven on rough roads and in deep water.”
He said the new Nissan Patrol is undoubtedly one of Nissan’s most revolutionary designs ever in the Patrol’s 62-year history and it incorporates the most innovative, highest quality, highest value luxury SUV in Nissan history.
Compared with Toyota’s Land Cruiser 200 Series, the new Patrol offers substantial ground clearance of 283mm which is 58mm greater than rear axle Land Cruiser 200 Series.
The Patrol also matches Toyota’s maximum wading depth of 700mm, but breathes through the left-side guard vent, simplifying the fitment of an aftermarket snorkel.
Naturally aspirated, the Y62 Patrol comes equipped with a big V8 engine that delivers 298kw of power and 560Nm of torque – 90 per cent of which is available from just 1,600 rpm that can make 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.6 seconds.
In a world’s first, the Patrol employs advanced HBMC System with 4-wheel independent suspension that works with the chassis and body frame to give the vehicle superb stability on rugged and sandy terrain, while also delivering comfortable ride in the city.
The Patrol is in spite of this well-designed for exceptional off-road tasks with an enhanced 3500kg towing capacity that could be employed in hauling a luxury cruise boat around town.
Price-wise, the Y62 SUV is aimed fairly and squarely at the upper luxury SUV market.
