irishcar.com - Nissan Patrol GR

The latest version of Nissan’s Patrol GR is big, butch, and loves to roll in the mud. Sounds like a rhinoceros, doesn’t it? ... but it’s much more agile than that, and more useful than simply providing horn for aphrodisiac use. In fact, some 150 people will buy a GR in a full year in Ireland, and it’s bound to stimulate them in more ways than the aforementioned.

In fact, the latest version of the GR might well have been dosed with Viagra, because its got an engine outputting 40% more torque and 20% more horsepower than the previous version. And with the Patrol name and concept about to celebrate its 50th birthday in 2001, that’s randy performance for an old-stager (in motoring terms, of course).

The new engine is a 3-litre, replacing the old 2.8-litre TDi, and oddly enough, loses a couple of cylinders in the process. It’s less thirsty, though, with something close to a 5% improved fuel consumption over the combined cycle, at around 26.2mpg in both manual or auto form. That autobox is optimised for on- or off-road use, and is a 4-speeder with overdrive that is said to be particularly good for towing. The engine uses a patented ‘M-Fire’ combustion technology that forms strong ‘swirl’ in the chambers, applies an increased exhaust gas recirculation to reduce emissions, and optimises fuel injection timing more than in other DI diesels.

You’ll see the beast coming easily enough, with bright chromed effect in the grille and bumper, silvering that’s also carried through to bits of the interior trim as was similarly done in the revamp of the Primera last year. And up to seven people can gaze on that brightwork within as the latest GR (available only in LWB in the Irish market. They swan it in leather luxury too, listening to the 6-disc CD player, with the champagne kept cool by the climate control.

Security of the vehicle and those within is well taken care of, by a NATS immobiliser, superlocking, and a rolling-code keyless entry option with an anti-hijack feature.

Nissan’s ‘intelligent’ ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution is standard, and the GR also comes with dual front and side airbags.
Our introduction to the GR was off-road only, and so the performance on tarmac will have to wait until we get the mud washed off. But in its primary element and over a seriously demanding test set-up, it lolloped through muck, angled itself to an initially terrifying (for the passengers) 45deg (it can do it to 48deg without rolling), and cleared dips with approach angles of up to 37deg and departure of up to 30deg. For this work it is recommended that the stabiliser bar on the rear be disengaged, a simple button push.

The remarkable thing was that the vehicle did all it was asked while shod only on road tyres. Pretty good going in tough going. For those who want the mills, maximum ground clearance is 210mm, and wading depth 70mm. Maximum payload is 745kg. Dimensions are: length - 4965mm; width - 1840mm; height - 1855; track (F/R) - 1555/1575mm; fuel - 95 litres.

Prices: LWB Commercial, including leather and CD - £30,995; SE Manual - £42,995; SE Auto - £44,995. Metallic paint is £275 extra.

Classy GR loves to roll in the mud too	June 2000
The latest version of Nissan’s Patrol GR is big, butch, and loves to roll in the mud. Sounds like a rhinoceros, doesn’t it? ... but it’s much more agile than that, and more useful than simply providing horn for aphrodisiac use. In fact, some 150 people will buy a GR in a full year in Ireland, and it’s bound to stimulate them in more ways than the aforementioned. In fact, the latest version of the GR might well have been dosed with Viagra, because its got an engine outputting 40% more torque and 20% more horsepower than the previous version. And with the Patrol name and concept about to celebrate its 50th birthday in 2001, that’s randy performance for an old-stager (in motoring terms, of course). The new engine is a 3-litre, replacing the old 2.8-litre TDi, and oddly enough, loses a couple of cylinders in the process. It’s less thirsty, though, with something close to a 5% improved fuel consumption over the combined cycle, at around 26.2mpg in both manual or auto form. That autobox is optimised for on- or off-road use, and is a 4-speeder with overdrive that is said to be particularly good for towing. The engine uses a patented ‘M-Fire’ combustion technology that forms strong ‘swirl’ in the chambers, applies an increased exhaust gas recirculation to reduce emissions, and optimises fuel injection timing more than in other DI diesels. You’ll see the beast coming easily enough, with bright chromed effect in the grille and bumper, silvering that’s also carried through to bits of the interior trim as was similarly done in the revamp of the Primera last year. And up to seven people can gaze on that brightwork within as the latest GR (available only in LWB in the Irish market. They swan it in leather luxury too, listening to the 6-disc CD player, with the champagne kept cool by the climate control. Security of the vehicle and those within is well taken care of, by a NATS immobiliser, superlocking, and a rolling-code keyless entry option with an anti-hijack feature. Nissan’s ‘intelligent’ ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution is standard, and the GR also comes with dual front and side airbags. Our introduction to the GR was off-road only, and so the performance on tarmac will have to wait until we get the mud washed off. But in its primary element and over a seriously demanding test set-up, it lolloped through muck, angled itself to an initially terrifying (for the passengers) 45deg (it can do it to 48deg without rolling), and cleared dips with approach angles of up to 37deg and departure of up to 30deg. For this work it is recommended that the stabiliser bar on the rear be disengaged, a simple button push. The remarkable thing was that the vehicle did all it was asked while shod only on road tyres. Pretty good going in tough going. For those who want the mills, maximum ground clearance is 210mm, and wading depth 70mm. Maximum payload is 745kg. Dimensions are: length - 4965mm; width - 1840mm; height - 1855; track (F/R) - 1555/1575mm; fuel - 95 litres. Prices: LWB Commercial, including leather and CD - £30,995; SE Manual - £42,995; SE Auto - £44,995. Metallic paint is £275 extra.
by Brian Byrne.

Classy GR loves to roll in the mud too