Monthly Motor - December 2014

YOUR 4X4
Nissan Patrol - A Truly
Independent Democrat
By Jay Suave
The latest version of Japan’s ‘other’ all-conquering 4x4,
Nissan’s Patrol, was initially unveiled only in the Middle-East.
Well... tough times are pretty much behind us and we can
afford to fill up these behemoths again.
Although not nearly as popular
locally as Toyota’s Land Cruiser
200 Series, the Patrol has always
been the thinking man’s oversized
SUV. Chunkily styled, with utterly
reliable powertrains and unbreakable solid-axle
wheel attachment gear front and rear, it’s generally
an unflappable companion for those severely testing
family vacations - to the Mara...
The seventh generation Patrol is a much more
contemporarily styled vehicle than its predecessor.
Digitisation and luxury trinkets are rampant too.
Hardcore 4x4 enthusiasts are in for a few nasty
shocks though…
The new Patrol exchanges solid-axles for
independent suspension at all four wheel corners.
No issue in sand or over rocky terrain though...
Beyond the newfangled styling symmetry - Patrol’s
chunky proportions have been significantly softened,
Nissan’s big 4x4 SUV still manages to retain a
semblance of handsomeness.
With the side glass surfacing framed by a tidy
chrome surround, a neatly executed hatch assembly
and air intakes above the front wheel arches it’s
an infinitely better looking attempt at an Oriental
Range Rover than Toyota’s VX200. Mechanically
the new Patrol rides on an Infiniti QX56 platform,
which means plenty of clever chassis control tech-
46 MOTOR DECEMBER 2014