New V8 Patrol for heavy-duty towing

Owners of big caravans shopping around for a suitable tow vehicle now have an impressive, albeit expensive, new option with the arrival in Australia of Nissan’s sixth-generation Patrol.

The first all-new big Nissan off-roader in 15 years, the bigger, more luxurious and more capable Mk6 Patrol is initially only available with a 5.6-litre petrol V8 engine which delivers more grunt (298kW/560Nm) along with a LandCruiser-matching towing capacity of 3500kg (and tow ball mass up to 350kg).

For those who still want a diesel option, the Y61 ‘GU’ Patrol will continue to be sold alongside the new model, powered by the current 3.0-litre turbodiesel offering up to 118kW/380Nm and 3200kg towing capacity, with manual transmission.

Weighing a hefty 2800kg in top-spec form and marginally bigger in size than its main rival, the LandCruiser, the new Y62 Patrol is massive inside and out, offering plenty of leg, head and shoulder room for no fewer than eight adults -- although the top-shelf Ti-L is only available with seven seats.

It’s claimed to hustle from 0-100km/h in a swift 6.6-seconds, and official fuel consumption is lower than the Patrol’s previous 4.8-litre six-cylinder petrol but still a relatively thirsty 14.5L/100km. The fuel tank is 140 litres but it requires premium petrol.

The new V8 engine drives through a seven-speed auto transmission, and advanced full-time four-wheel drive system with VDC electronic stability control and driver-selectable settings for sand, snow, rocks and on-road, as well as a low-range transfer case, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, a limited-slip differential and rear differential lock.

Also new is the all-independent suspension with a clever adaptive damping system dubbed Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC). Standard on both the midrange Ti and flagship Ti-L, the system improves handling, ride comfort and off-road traction by adjusting shock absorber damping pressure to suit driving conditions in real time.

Although mostly exclusive to the top-spec Ti-L, the new Patrol boasts new technology including radar-based Intelligent Cruise Control, a bird’s-eye Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning and tyre pressure monitoring.

Other exclusives for the Ti-L flagship include a hard-drive navigation system, 13-speaker premium BOSE sound, rear DVD entertainment system, Xenon headlights with automatic levelling and washers, a powered tailgate, cool box, seat/mirror/steering wheel memory, electric anti-dazzle interior mirrors and puddle lamps.

Standard equipment across the range includes keyless entry and starting, an eight-way powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate-control, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, a six-speaker 2GB hard-drive sound system with AM/FM/MP3/DVD capability and steering wheel controls, Bluetooth connectivity, woodgrain trim, full-function trip computer, a leather-clad steering wheel and gear shifter, anti-dazzle interior mirror, tilt and reach-adjustable steering wheel, rear air-conditioning outlets, LED tail-lights, roof spoiler, side steps, and privacy glass.

The new Patrol is priced from $82,200 (RRP) for the entry-level ST-L, $92,850 for the Ti and $113,900 for the range-topping Ti-L.