There are a few off-road SUVs that you would really consider taking into Africa. One of them is Nissan’s Patrol, an SUV recipe that Nissan has stuck to over the past few years.
The current Patrol has been available on our market since 2004. It features a 3,0-litre turbodiesel engine or a 4,8-litre, straight-six-cylinder petrol engine. Connected to a five-speed automatic transmission, this petrol engine develops 190 kW at 4 800 r/min and 425 kW at 3 600 r/min.
On first appearance, the Patrol makes a bold statement about its intentions. The short overhangs help with an impressive approach angle of 37 degrees and a departure angle of 31 degrees, figures that off-road enthusiasts will certainly appreciate.
Adding to the vehicle’s off-road capability is a rear-differential lock (electronically activated by turning a switch) and four-wheel drive with low-range which can be manually activated by a level situated to the left of the main gearlever.
Even though the cabin shows its age, there is still a whiff of luxury for the driver and passenger. Entertainment and comfort features include a six-disc CD shuttle and audio system, climate control and satellite buttons on the steering wheel. On the open road, the driver can relax using the cruise control system.
Behind the wheel
If you are not in a hurry, then you won’t have a problem with the Patrol’s performance. The engine is more suited to off-road driving than spirited on-road behaviour. Having said that, you sense that this unstressed unit is likely to offer bulletproof reliability during any excursion.
Make no mistake, this is a huge SUV, but fortunately ground clearance is set at 220 mm while the wading depth is 700 mm. There is also a substantial 95-litre fuel tank plus an additional 40-litre sub-tank.
The vast exterior dimensions do translate into generous interior space, both front and rear. At 1,87 metres tall, I had enough head- and legroom, even in the rear. That said, the floor is high, so your legs don’t drop as low down as in other more road-biased SUVs.
On Gauteng’s tarmac roads, this 2,4-tonne SUV offered a mostly comfortable ride through its ladder-frame chassis. It was only sharp bumps or road irregularities that were transmitted into the cabin.
Safety and towing
The Patrol comes standard with ABS brakes and four airbags as well as a full-size spare wheel. Up to 750 kg can be towed with an unbraked trailer and up to 3,5 tonnes with a braked-assisted trailer. These figures are on par with more modern SUVs and double-cab bakkies.
Summary
Although the Patrol might be showing its age is some aspects, it remains one of those SUVs that you are unlikely to have any trouble taking into Africa. Some serious off-roaders would appreciate the fact that 4H and low range are manually activated while the on-road experience is perfectly okay for such an off-road focused vehicle. Just make sure that you do take it off-road regularly, otherwise a more luxury-oriented vehicle should also be considered.
Specifications*
Model: Nissan Patrol
Engine: 4,8-litre, six-cylinder petrol
Power: 190 kW at 4 800 r/min
Torque: 425 N.m at 3 600 r/min
0-100 km/h: 9,7 seconds
Fuel consumption: 15,2 L/100 km
CO2: 354 g/km
Top speed: 190 km/h
Price: R761 400
Service intervals: 15 000 km
*All manufacturer’s claimed figures
