Nissan facelifts Patrol

Nissan has staged the world debut of its facelifted 2014 Patrol at this week’s Dubai motor show, including a special gangster-style matt-black version.

However, Nissan Australia says it has no current plans to introduce either new version of the large luxury SUV here.

Revealed in official images and a YouTube video by Nissan Middle East, the new-look Patrol is clearly aimed primarily at Gulf markets and, although official information is scant, there’s still no sign of diesel power.

What the new-look Patrol does bring is a pair of prominent new C-shaped LED running lamps within a fresh headlight cluster, a revised grille with bold new louvers, more angular front bumper, new wheels and more conventional red-lens tail-lights to replace the chromed units on Australian models.

Inside, top-spec models appear to receive loads of extra woodgrain trim on the centre stack, centre console, doors and dashboard, as well as classy new tan-coloured leather trim.

For just 200 well-heeled Middle East customers, Nissan will also offer the Patrol Black special-edition featuring a matt-black exterior and grille.

First revealed globally in 2010 but delayed from release in Australia until February this year, the new-generation Patrol remains powered solely by a 5.6-litre petrol V8, matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Marking a dramatic departure from the venerable Patrol wagon it supersedes, the all-new full-size SUV is available in three specifications priced from $82,690.

So far this year it has attracted less than 2000 sales in Australia – less than a quarter of the number of homes found by its only direct competitor, Toyota’s 200 Series LandCruiser.

Given the new Patrol has been on sale in Australia for less than a year, expect the facelifted model to hit local showrooms some time after it enters right-hand drive production -- whenever that is.