Nissan SA has introduced a facelifted version of its Patrol 4x4 station wagon. A 185 kW 4,8-litre six-cylinder flagship tops the range.Nissan SA has introduced a facelifted version of its Patrol 4x4 station wagon. A 185 kW 4,8-litre six-cylinder flagship tops the range.

According to the manufacturer, the range “has been repositioned in line with customer needs and market demands”. Both versions will be offered in GRX trim and the three-litre intercooled ZD30DDT turbodiesel variant is now offered with manual transmission.

Power and torque of the turbodiesel four-cylinder unit remain unchanged at 116 kW at 3 600 r/min and 354 N.m at 2 000 r/min. The new top-of-the-range model replaces the previous 4,5-litre version. Nissan claims that the new TB48DE engine delivers an increase in top-end power and an improved torque range.

The 4 759 cm3 unit is said to develop 185 kW at 4 800 r/min, and 420 N.m torque at 3 600 r/min. “It's the most powerful six cylinder in its class, and out-performs a number of rival V8 units,” a Nissan spokesman claimed.

The engine has double overhead camshafts activating four valves per cylinder, electronically-controlled fuel injection, the Nissan Induction Control System (NICS) and Valve Timing Control (VTC) to optimise the additional power and torque.

According to tests carried out by Nissan Australia, the 4,8 Patrol with new five-speed automatic reaches 100 km/h 20 per cent quicker than its 4,5 litre predecessor, and is 37 per cent faster between 100 and 120 km/h. The manual 4,8 which is sold in Australia is 18 per cent quicker zero to 100 km/h and 32 per cent better between 100 and 120 km/h than the model it replaces.

A five-speed automatic transmission, offers a manual mode for controlled four-wheel-driving or sporty performance. While driving in manual mode, it is possible to select and "lock-in" the desired gear position. The transmission shifts up or down automatically until the selected gear is reached, with the electronics holding the gearbox in that gear until there is driver intervention, Nissan SA said.

As part of the facelift, an upgrade on the Patrol's four-channel ABS (with electronic brake force distribution) includes increasing the size of the ventilated front discs to 316 mm in diameter, with their rear equivalents growing to 330 mm.

Patrol features Nissan's Zone Body Concept, which includes collapsible front and rear structures, a reinforced passenger cell, and side impact protection in all doors. In addition, all SA-spec vehicles have four airbags (frontal and side).

The Patrol has headlamps with integrated turn signals and park lamps flank a chromed grille, and a restyled bumper has integrated fog lights.

Colour-coded protective body cladding and overfenders, new-look alloys wheels and redesigned running boards complete the exterior revisions.

There is a new, four-spoke steering wheel, and brushed aluminium detailing on the centre console and door panels. A new instrument panel features an integrated oil pressure, voltmeter and, in the case of the automatic, gearbox temperature warning lights.

Standard features on the seven-seater include: A radio/cassette player with integrated in-dash six CD shuttle and six speakers, a lidded centre console, four cup-holders, electrically adjusted front seats, power windows, power mirrors, central locking, a 60/40 split middle seat, tilt-adjustable steering, climate control with rear cooling, digital ambient temperature and direction of travel indicator, dual map reading lights, illuminated vanity mirrors in both sunvisors. The automatic version also has cruise control.

Both petrol and diesel versions come with a 95-litre fuel tank, and a 40-litre supplementary tank.

Original article from Car