2013 Nissan Patrol V8

9 December, 2013   By: Alex Forrest

On city streets, the gigantic new Nissan Patrol V8 looks both imposing and faintly ridiculous.

Take it off road though, and it transforms from constrained behemoth to hugely capable and powerful king of the rough stuff.

It’s available in three model grades, and we tested the mid-spec Ti model which costs $102,700 drive away.

When it was introduced to the Australian market in February 2013, this new Y62 generation Patrol brought with it a new 5.6-litre petrol V8 that sends its 298kW and 560Nm through a seven-speed auto.

That’s a lot of engine, but it’s needed given the Patrol weighs 2706kg. However, when this new Patrol did arrive, the elephant in the room was the lack of a diesel engine option.

In Australia, diesel is virtually the default engine type in large four wheel drives. However, petrol is the preferred fuel in larger markets such as the US and at this stage, it’s the only sort of engine we’re getting in the new Patrol for the time being.

If you want a new diesel Patrol, you’ll have to get the old (14 years and counting) Y61 model, which has remained on sale as the only diesel option.

In a first for the Patrol, the new one comes with independent suspension all-round, as well as a new, variable-mode four wheel drive system that allows the driver to select the drive mode which best suits the terrain.

Given the increasing number of large four wheel drives which have selectable terrain modes, their presence in the Patrol brings it right up to date with its competitors. High and low range gearing is also available, as it should be on a vehicle like this.

Both the wet and soft sand on the beach near Busselton were no match for the Patrol’s new all-independent suspension and its dedicated “Sand” driving mode.

However, the most notable improvement with the Y62 Patrol is its premium interior build quality and refinement.

The V8 is amply powerful, creamy smooth and actually more efficient than the smaller petrol engine in its Y61 predecessor. All it needs now is the option of a diesel.