Nissan Patrol – Facelift Friday

When you see the images above this story, anyone who immediately hears the impressive roar of a huge four- or six-cylinder diesel engine, knows what we mean. The market for real workhorses in the Netherlands is limited, but for a long time it was largely covered by the many variants of the Nissan Patrol. That model still exists, but no longer in Europe since the arrival of the Y62 generation in 2010. In the Middle East, however, the Patrol cannot be dragged on, which it undoubtedly owes to the fact that it is a more luxurious and street-oriented SUV. That is precisely why the Patrol in question today, the Y61, is still there in the showroom as Nissan Patrol Safari. Yes: the Patrol launched in 1997 still being built!

The Nissan Patrol disappeared in the Netherlands in 2010. This means that we can still speak of a long career, because 13 years is certainly not a matter of course in the car world. The original design is characterized by powerful proportions. With its high tires, enormous ground clearance, relatively low roof and broad shoulders, the Patrol looks unyielding, which in fact it is. This is not an SUV, but a real terrain executioner with a separate ladder chassis and longitudinally placed diesel engines.

1997-2001

2001-2004

2004-2010

The first major update of the Patrol follows in 2001, although it is not a serious revolution. We note bright headlights, which are now rounded off at the turn signals/parking lights. The grille is new, as is the front bumper, with round, large fog lamps as a cool addition.

At the rear, the bright light units are also the biggest news. It should be noted, however, that these upper units are largely fake, because European rules dictate that the rear lights may not be covered with an open tailgate or door. This would be the case with the Patrol due to the spare wheel, so that the main functions are forced to be housed in separate, red/orange units in the bumper.

1997-2001

2001-2004

2004-2010

Those ‘fake’ taillights changed radically with the next update, in 2004. They got much higher, reaching all the way to the window line. Due to that considerable height and the glass that sticks out firmly from the body, this update can also be observed for good from three quarters. The ‘box’ that houses the ever-square license plate will have a different and more robust shape. At the front, the design is also cut firmly, although that is less noticeable. In addition to a new front bumper, there are new headlamps, which consist of one piece and reach the bumper due to their new shape. The advantage of the separate wheel arch extensions is exploited by the installation of new, large ones, which also make the flanks a bit tighter and more modern. Although it is clear from the rain gutters along the roof that the basic design is somewhat older.