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March 17th, 1998
 GU Patrol keeps hold of the plot |
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| With 10 years of water under the
bridge since the GQ model Patrol, Nissan could hardly be accused of rushing into its new
GU model.
But having a more spacious cabin to start with helps. There's generally more room all round, making Patrol a good vehicle of choice for claustrophobics. Our test vehicle was the top-spec Ti variant, which comes with goodies like climate control air, power operated front seats, leather trim, CD stacker and good stereo - not exactly doing it tough. Which made it even stranger, then, to find no interior light delay when the doors are closed, and power windows that die when the ignition is switched off - even to accessory. The bean-counters strike again ?
The dashboard is an attractively functional piece of work, nicely contoured and, in the case of Ti, finished off with splashings of woodgrain (to remind you that you are in a luxury 4WD). Good seating, with ample space in all directions, does its bit for the total comfort package. (Best remember where you had the driving seat though, as its power adjustment has no memory setting.) And complete those adjustments while stationary, as the driver's armrest effectively blocks a hand sneaking down for any `fine-tuning' of the position.
The ventilation system gets full marks for efficiency and ease of use. It allows a `split' of warm air to the feet and cool air to the face, greatly reducing the risk of premature drowsiness. Storage is good, too. Despite having the dual `baggies' that we are told are essential to our survival, Patrol has a generously proportioned glovebox, capacious door pockets and a near-jumbo console. Plus, the ever-reliable moulded drink holders (no moving parts). Ti also has a CD stacker, so well hidden that it took ages to find - where? But then it wouldn't be a secret anymore… The interior rearview mirror is mildly compromised by the split-design of the rear doors and a veritable forest of headrests, obscuring a bit of what's happening behind. But the exterior mirrors are very good and take up the slack. Outside, that impressive optional `bullbar' is actually a `roobar; using under-slung mounts bolted to the sides of the chassis. More progressive absorption of impact is the likely result, and it has brackets ready for driving lights and radio masts. NVH levels are quite low in all respects, but one noise never went away - a persistent panel-rattle that seemed at odds with having just over 8,000 kms on the clock. And the rear door frequently jarred loose on bumps - not much, just enough to turn on the interior lights and trigger the `door ajar' warning light ! Open road cruising at 110kmh in 4th gear has the engine spinning at 2800rpm, but in overdrive-fifth it becomes a very relaxed (and relaxing) 2,000rpm. Peak torque of 350Nm is found at 3600rpm, so the engine is far from being stressed at that point and has ample reserves of both power and torque for overtaking. Patrol felt initially sluggish in its response to steering demands and a bit eager to tilt in corners, but a quick check revealed the tyres to be running 22psi/160kPa all round. Pumping to 36/240 at the front and 32/220 at the rear gave greater stability, with only a marginal increase in road rumble. (I think the factory recommendation was lower - but then, it always is.) Long accepted as one of the `real' 4WDs, Patrol looks and is the part, with Low and High ratios and a central diff lock - it's meant to be a serious off-road vehicle. For various reasons, our time off-road fell short of `serious' but was sufficient reassurance that Nissan has definitely not lost the plot - Patrol is even more capable than before, with its longer travel suspension making a substantial contribution to comfort both on and off the road. So it's a large, very comfortable long-distance tourer, which can handle city traffic without nervous tension, and also happens to be able to handle real off-road challenges in assured comfort. And in the Ti version, just more comfortable again…
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Not just a simple
facelift of course, the GU Patrol boasts improved interior space and driving dynamics, the
result of small things that must have tormented the designers. Such as relocating the
pedals and reshaping the centre tunnel, to provide more footroom.
The tilt adjustable
steering wheel is neatly stitched in leather, an elegantly simple shape with just a
suggestion of the dreaded thumb-rests (perhaps they're evolving backwards) and cruise
control in a tidy and user-friendly cluster.
Rear passengers are
well catered for with tilt and slide adjustable seats, and if there are only two they each
have a fold-down centre armrest, with drink holders included. The third row drop-down
seats are not intended for adults, but safe and comfortable for ankle-biters.
Nuts-N-Bolts
: Nissan GU Patrol Ti