Test Drive: Nissan Patrol 2020

IT’S clear who has been declared ‘king of the road’ at one of the top car showrooms in the kingdom thanks to a spectacular display of muscle and class.

The Nissan Patrol 2020 has arrived and it’s not only the Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons’ marketing team celebrating but delighted customers and the marque’s many fans too.

None more so than international motoring scribes and the collective praise received so far appears to be well justified, as proved during a test drive on the highways and off-road beaten paths of Bahrain.

The Nissan Patrol has a legacy of being a rugged and reliable SUV, and as part of a major refresh, the latest model has added technology and luxury so that occupants can be safer and more comfortable.

The results are stunning. Signature design changes for the new Patrol include Nissan’s V-motion grille, interpreted in a new way for SUVs. Along with the new boomerang-shaped LED headlights, the redesigned grille highlights the Patrol’s strong, angular front.

At the rear, the Patrol’s new taillights also sport the boomerang shape. They are seamlessly integrated along with a large chrome nameplate and sequential rear turn indicators, which have been added for the first time on a Nissan vehicle. (Editor’s note: Here’s another good reason to start using them in Bahrain!)

The Nissan Patrol remains the flagship of Nissan’s SUV and 4x4 range, loved by generations of loyal customers who have purchased around 1.9 million since it debuted in 1951.

“The Patrol is one of our most cherished models, with a long and proud heritage,” Joni Paiva, regional vice president of the Africa, Middle East and India region at Nissan, told the media at a recent pre-launch media gathering. “The new Nissan Patrol represents the peak of luxury and ultimate capability and will continue to provide authentic experiences to its loyal customers in the Middle East and around the world.”

With that as a starting point for the new 2020 Patrol, Nissan took all of the aspects of a vehicle that already provided owners with top level comfort, safety and confidence behind the wheel – and made it even better, he added.

Inside, a new centre console incorporates dual displays featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This ensures customers are always connected and can make the most of their smartphones. This is not a mere PR spin, it took me just seconds to link my Apple mobile – no fuss, no problem, unlike some vehicles I’ve test driven in the past.

And why have one screen, when two make for a more intuitive system that seamlessly combines information and entertainment.

New diamond-stitch quilted leather seats with added padding provide a luxurious feel, as does the new hand-stitched steering wheel. Climate control and powered lumbar support are optionally available for the front seats.

Significant reductions in noise and vibration result in a quieter, more pleasant cabin. Improved cooling and air flow distribution systems lead to quicker cooling, ideal during Bahrain’s sizzling summer.

The new Nissan Patrol also stands out for its extensive suite of advanced safety and security technologies. In addition to the Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies already available, the new Patrol comes with Intelligent Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection and the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system.

All-terrain Patrol power is provided by the strongest V6 and V8 engines in the segment. The base 4.0-litre V6 produces 275 horsepower and 394 Nm of torque. The 5.6-litre V8 produces 400 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque.

An All-Mode 4X4 system lets the driver switch modes to handle different on- and off-road conditions. Hydraulic Body Motion Control, available on V8 models, ensures a more comfortable ride thanks to improved suspension and vibration reduction.

I discussed the vehicle’s virtues, whilst sat in the front of the BD26,995 Platinum with Nissan showroom branch manager Hussain Al Hawaj, after first admiring its new 20-inch alloy wheels before climbing onboard.

“I’ve never seen so much excitement generated by a launch. Our costumers really love the options available, it has everything you could want living in our climate; it’s powerful, it’s safe and it’s so comfortable.”

And to prove the point, he flicked the rear view mirror to show the intelligent around-view monitor.

I was spoiled for choice and took out the beautiful black V8 Le Titanium and picked up my deputy Sharad Sapehiya from our Sanad head office for a spin (I like to spoil the team on rare occasions). He held my trusty camera to record our adventure and as evidence in case I didn’t get him home in one piece.

Have faith, I told him, no-one is going to boss us about driving in this beast. It’s so true, its very presence commands respect. You can understand why it is such a favourite for families on the school run or packing up for a weekend camping trip to Sakhir.

It’s easy to forget you are driving a car big enough to carry your five-a-side football team, plus the substitutes, with room to spare, as within moments of setting off you feel as comfortable as sitting in a luxury sedan and the steering is just as sweet and sensitive.

The power of the engine makes overtaking and highway driving a pleasure and when we went for an off-road jaunt it was clear that every terrain could be conquered with ease.

The category-defining Variable 4x4 Mode allows the driver to switch effortlessly between drive modes. Sand: Handle the desert with grace; On-road: enjoy a smooth city drive; Rock: Grip any terrain and Snow: well, maybe not here!

whichcar.com highlighted the Patrol’s ‘luxurious and very roomy cabin’ and Top Gear described it as ‘the best rip-roaring, dune-bashing executive coach ever made’.

My verdict: An incredibly quiet, comfortable chariot, responsive to the touch, with the ultimate feeling of safety.

As the man from Nissan said: ‘The Patrol is a legend, reborn’.