20200330112239_Nissan-Patrol-2020-re
Nissan is contemplating the arrival of its range-top Patrol SUV into our market. At a time when the Japanese carmaker is trying to reinvent itself in India, the XXL-sized SUV will act as a brand creator. Under the current regulations that require a carmaker to import up to 2,500 units without the need for homologation. So, the Patrol will be brought in as a fully built unit if the proposal gets the go-ahead.
The robust, body-on-frame Nissan Patrol is a classic in the SUV world. And for over six generations has cemented its status as an indestructible platform. The current-gen Patrol has been on sale in international markets. Since 2010 and received a second facelift at the end of 2019. A redone front end has helped to freshen the appearance of the SUV. But what is a bit of a shame is that only left-hand-drive models are having an interior redesign that makes the transfer to a more updated dashboard. As you can guess, the 5.1 m long and nearly 2 m wide SUV is massive on the inside. With a cabin that offers plenty of space for all three passenger sides.
In the same spec, it’s sold in right-hand drive markets like Australia and South Africa. India will potentially get the Patrol in. So, that ensures that only one engine will be on sale – a 5.6-liter, V8 petrol that produces 405hp and 560Nm of torque. All four wheels receive power through an automatic 7-speed gearbox.
The platform also has a differential for rear locking. It is worth remembering that the UAE industry still sells a smaller 4.0-liter, V6 petrol.
The Patrol does not come cheap, of course, with costs expected to higher than Rs 1.5 Crore. The Patrol will be up against the Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser as it launches, with the latter set to make a return in BS6 form.