Nissan Patrol: Walking the talk

By Jose Paolo San Mateo Philippine Daily Inquirer July 17,2019

Walking the talkNissan Philippines’ latest marketing campaign for the Y62 Nissan Patrol is “GoAnywhere” –and this isn’t just marketing, as the Y62 Patrol does walk the talk. Nissan Philippines, Inc. hosted a three-day media event in Taal, Batangas to prove this.

The test drive demonstrated how the Nissan Patrol has evolved over 65 years to become one of the most iconic off-road vehicles ever built.

While the look is opulent and luxurious, the same iconic Nissan Patrol go-anywhere strengths that have carried the nameplate for over six-decades and six-platform generations have been refined and improved.

It is a technological tour de force that is more capable, advanced, and even better equipped than most 4×4 SUVs in its luxury-class, and at its P3,888,000 price-point in the Philippines.

The 2019 Nissan Patrol is powered by a high-tech and robust 5.6-litre V8 gasoline engine, mated to an advanced 7-speed automatic transmission, and a sophisticated electronically controlled 4X4 system.

Walking the talk Walking the talk Walking the talkSuspension is independent all round– a departure from the solid axles of the previous generations; yet off-road traction has not diminished but has even been enhanced.

The Nissan Patrol is a great companion for weekend adventures because of its powerful V8 engine with seven-speed automatic transmission, Hydraulic Body Motion Control which enabled it to graciously glide through the zig-zag slopes of Taal, and its variable 4×4 capabilities. Its size may not be the easiest to drive in Metro Manila traffic but its slew of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies such as the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Parking Guide to display a bird’s eye view certainly helps when the going gets tight.

The Y62’s VK56VD V8 engine delivers 400 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet (560 Nm) of torque, with 90 per cent of torque available from just 1600 rpm. This type of low-end grunt is important off-road and allows easy low-rpm driving on-road.

The 32-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy Yokohama, Japan-built V8 features Nissan’s advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology and
Direct Injection.

The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response.

Walking the talk Walking the talk Walking the talkThrottle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve. Yes, folks, the throttle valve remains wide-open and it is just there for safety to shut-off the engine. The VVEL system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency by substantially reducing the intake resistance (or pumping loss) that occurs when the engine’s throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.

The Direct Injection system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering more precise injection control.

The VK56VD V8 also powers the Armada, Titan and Infiniti QX80.

The 7-speed automatic transmission offers an increased number of gear ratios over the previous 5-speed, giving smoother acceleration from rest, improved ride comfort, and better economy.

The new ALL MODE 4X4 drive system is controlled via a circular electronic switch cluster located behind the gear selector, allowing the driver easy mode selection for: sand, rock, snow or on-road driving, activation of the rear differential lock, VDC on/off and Hill Descent Control. The ALL MODE 4X4 controller also allows the driver to select between 4H and 4L.

Walking the talk Walking the talk Walking the talkThe Nissan Patrol also features Hill Start Assist and a helical limited slip differential. Helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) and Rear Differential Lock allow the driver to maintain momentum, even on slippery slopes or roads when a wheel is spinning or slipping. Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) is a traction control mechanism that uses sensors from the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to transfer power from a slipping wheel, to a wheel with more traction. Despite all these 4×4 technologies, with its girth and nearly 6,000 pound weight, it’s still no Jeep Rubicon but it doesn’t need to be.

Nissan’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control on suspension system works well on the Patrol and is a great feature. It reduces body roll in high-speed corners and maximizes suspension travel in more off-road driving conditions.

The HBMC system’s cylinders replace traditional shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. The technology was developed for world rallying and the first application of this technology for the road is on the Patrol.

The Nissan Patrol also offers Intelligent Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Departure Warning and Prevention.

Quite apparent is the style and space of the Y62. The new Nissan Patrol is significantly larger in every dimension than its predecessor and most
competitors.

The Nissan Patrol’s technology is covered by a huge exterior. It’s a bit too big for my taste but I can’t afford one anyway. The design is headlined by the blackened A-pillar, 20″ alloy wheels, and a bold and strong grille. Its interior is just as well-appointed, with leather seats and a roomy cabin that Nissan says can fit eight. Nissan Intelligent Key allows for just the press of a button on the door handle or trunk to unlock them, while the keys remain in the pocket or purse. With the standard Push-Start feature, the vehicle is ready to go with just a push of the button. This technology also memorizes the 8-way power driver’s seat position and for added safety, the engine immobilizer prevents anyone without the key from starting the car.

The Nissan Patrol is a formidable package that should give you the confidence to GoAnywhere.

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