Nissan Petrol 2010
The all-new V8-powered 2010 Nissan Patrol has had its global debut in the Middle East, with Nissan President and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, attending a glittering reveal last night at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
With over 40 Japanese engineers having completed a total of 13,265 hours of testing in Arabian deserts and on our local roads, Nissan knows how important the GCC market is for the latest generation Patrol and the new All Mode 4x4 system can be tailored to on-road driving, sand or rock-crawling conditions. It can also be turned to snow mode – should freak weather conditions befall us.
Under the bonnet is a 5.6-litre V8 mated to a 7-speed auto with manual shift mode. On sale across the region from April, the Patrol sheds its cheap and basic image and goes fully loaded with kit and equipment. Prices will range from $49,000 to $74,000.
Tough looks
The seventh generation has evolved over 50 years and boasts a massive following in the region, particularly amongst young locals who love nothing better than a bit of dune-bashing on the weekend.
‘The new Patrol is built with the high level of safety, performance and quality that characterises the Nissan brand, and we paid special attention to the needs of GCC drivers and passengers,’ said Ghosn.
As expected the new Patrol is huge and maintains it tough and bluff exterior with strong, plain surfaces keeping a clear link with previous editions, whilst giving it contemporary sheen.
Luxury inside
Inside there’s lashing of leather, polished aluminium and wood grain panelling as the Patrol takes a giant leap up the luxury ladder with a huge emphasis on comfort and space for the new car. It boasts wider, higher and deeper front seats and 100mm more legroom for second row passengers as well as a roomier third row of seats.
V8 power and gizmos
Nissan claims the new Patrol is the most powerful vehicle in its class with a 5.6-litre V8 with direct injector and variable valve technology that generates 400bhp and 413lb ft of torque.
As mentioned the Patrol has a selectable all-terrain style system along with Hydraulic Body Motion Control System for the new suspension which now employs independent suspension upgraded from the previous rigid axle setup.
There’s Hill Star Assist, Hill Descent plus an extensive list of driver’s aids including lane departure system, active cruise control and collision avoidance. There’s traction control, helical brake LSD (limited slip differential) and mechanical differential lock as well as clever braking.
