FIRST PICS: 2020 Nissan Patrol makes debut
Full-size SUV gets major tech overhaul and big boost to safety but still no diesel; petrol V8 to carry over unchangedThe first official images of the facelifted Nissan Patrol have been released overnight in the Middle East, revealing a new-look flagship SUV with bolder frontal styling and new technologies including advanced safety aids.
Confirmed for release in Australia before the end of this year, the 2020 Nissan Patrol -- the only direct rival for Toyota's 200 Series LandCruiser -- is actually a facelift of the sixth-generation (Y62 series) model launched back in 2013 and last updated in 2017.
The upgraded Patrol introduces pedestrian detection to its safety suite of autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, which is currently only available on the range-topping Ti-L version (priced at $89,880 plus on-road costs at the moment).
Inside, the Patrol's cabin has been redesigned to incorporate a larger central infotainment system that now offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with a large lower screen now sitting beneath to control the stereo and climate control, among other systems.
Beneath the skin, engineers claim there has been a significant reduction in both the level of noise and vibration permeating into the cabin. Even the air-conditioning has been tweaked to be quieter, despite improved air flow, says Nissan.
Under the bonnet there's still no answer to the 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel in the LandCruiser, which no longer offers a petrol V8 option, with the refreshed Patrol continuing exclusively with a naturally-aspirated 5.6-litre petrol V8 that pushes out 298kW and 560Nm via a seven-speed automatic transmission.
That hasn't stopped the Patrol from staging a resurgence in popularity in recent years, rising from just 916 in 2017, to 1259 in 2018 and 1356 so far in 2019 -- up 47 per cent.
There's no word yet on pricing, but no big changes are expected from the current model's starting price of $72,880 plus ORCs for the entry-level Nissan Patrol Ti.
Nissan Australia is likely to announce full local details in the build-up to the launch of the facelifted Patrol here in coming weeks.
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