Nissan is hoping to attract Toyota LandCruiser buyers with the launch of the all-new Nissan Patrol in January 2013, but the absence of even a single diesel powertrain will almost certainly stifle those goals.
Nissan will launch the new Patrol with just one powertrain: a 5.6-litre direct injection V8 engine developing 298kW and 560Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption of 14.5 litres per 100km. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard across the new Patrol model range, which includes three grades: ST-L, Ti and Ti-L.
Ninety per cent of LandCruiser 200 Series models sold in Australia are powered by the 195kW/650Nm 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel engine, which uses fuel at a rate of 10.3L/100km.
The Japanese manufacturer is billing the 2013 Nissan Patrol as a luxury SUV, and as such has equipped it with a raft of standard features including an eight-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, seven-inch LCD screen, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels with full-size spare, side steps, front and rear parking sensors with rear-view camera, keyless entry and start, electrically operated and folding door mirrors and privacy glass.
Moving up to the mid-spec Ti variant adds leather upholstery, four-way power passenger seat, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, power glass sunroof, Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) suspension and speed-sensitive power steering.
The range-topping Ti-L gains a host of additional technology and luxury kit including memory function for the seat, steering wheel and door mirrors; cool box; auto-dimming rear-view mirror; satellite navigation and music server; premium Bose audio system with 13 speakers and two rear seven-inch DVD screens; powered tailgate; tyre pressure monitoring system; Around View Monitor (which uses four external cameras to generate a bird’s eye view image); intelligent cruise control and blind spot warning.
The all-new Nissan Patrol is longer, wider and taller than its Toyota rival and offers more overall load space.
Nissan Australia hopes to cover off those buyers who want a diesel Patrol with a two-pronged strategy that will see the current Y61 Patrol sold alongside its upmarket petrol stablemate.
Nissan Australia is yet to reveal exact pricing for the all-new Patrol, but indicative pricing should see the ST-L sold for under $85,000, the Ti for less than $95,000 and the range-topping Ti-L below $115,000.
With the equivalent Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series petrol models priced from $83,490 for the GXL, $94,490 for the VX, and $113,490 for the Sahara, the two rival brands will be similarly matched, at least on price.