Monthly Motor - December 2014
All Your Motoring Needs from Kenyan Publishers Media 7 Group
All Your Motoring Needs from Kenyan Publishers Media 7 Group
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nologies, but, unfortunately a scrapping of those<br />
constant-clearance solid axles.<br />
Despite the all-wheel independently suspended<br />
insult to traditional Patrol sensibilities, the new<br />
chassis does usher in many ‘nice-to-haves.’ Whereas<br />
the previous Patrol was essentially a really big box<br />
on a ladder frame chassis with a reduction ratio<br />
transmission and one aft axle locker, the new one<br />
has a raft of driver aids. This latest Patrol features<br />
a hydraulic body motion control system (HBMC)<br />
which - much as Toyota’s KDSS - should cure any<br />
lane-wandering in strong crosswinds at high speed.<br />
Nissan says the HBMC system enables a more generous<br />
suspension stroke too, which should improve<br />
wheel articulation - optimising traction off-road.<br />
Another change to the Patrol’s drivetrain is a<br />
newly developed ALL MODE, switch operated, 4x4<br />
system - similar to Land-Rover’s groundbreaking<br />
(excuse the pun) Terrain Response set-up. Nissan’s<br />
ALL MODE features four selectable modes - sand,<br />
on-road, rock and snow - with all engine, transmission<br />
and suspension parameters automatically<br />
adjusted at the twist of a switch.<br />
For off-road novices Nissan has ‘finally’ added<br />
both hill start assist and descent control, which<br />
means in low-range you can safely canter downhill<br />
at a steady 4km/h.<br />
GT-R Racing Power<br />
Powering the latest Patrol is a 5.6 litre - yes 5.6,<br />
MOTOR DECEMBER <strong>2014</strong> 47
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