Review: Nissan GU/Y61 Patrol wagon (2004-16)

Review: Nissan GU.IV Patrol wagon (2004-07)

Overview

Released in October 2004, the Nissan GU Series IV (GU.IV) Patrol was a four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Kanda, Japan, the Nissan GU.IV Patrol was available with 3.0-litre ZD30DDTi turbo-diesel, 4.2-litre TD42Ti turbo-diesel and 4.8-litre TB48DE petrol engines. As per the table below, the GU.IV Patrol range consisted of DX, ST, ST-S, ST-L and Ti variants.

Compared to the GU.III Patrol, the GU.IV Patrol could be identified by its updated headlights, grille, bonnet with raised central section, front bumper for better engine cooling, integrated rear bumper, tail-lights and license plate finisher.

Inside, the GU.IV Patrol introduced a new soft-feel dashboard, a revised instrument panel, redesigned seats and a new centre console.

Four-wheel drive system

The Nissan GU Patrol had a part-time four-wheel drive system which included a limited slip rear differential as standard. The GU Patrol had free wheeling hubs whereby the front wheels could be disconnected from the front half shafts. The Patrol DX had manual free wheeling hubs, while the Patrol ST and above variants had automatic locking hubs.

When the transfer case was engaged, the 4WD system provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split. The low range gearing provided a reduction ratio of 2.02:1.

The Patrol Ti was also fitted with a vacuum-operated rear differential lock.

Body and dimensions

With its ladder frame chassis, the Nissan GU.III Patrol DX was 4950 mm long, 1840 mm wide, 1875 mm tall and had a 2970 mm long wheelbase. The Patrol ST and above variants differed in that they were 1940 mm wide and 1855 mm tall.

Suspension

The front suspension of the Nissan GU Patrol consisted of three-link coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension consisted of five-link coil springs and an anti-roll bar. For the front and rear suspension, the double-acting shock absorbers were located behind the coil springs.

For the GU Patrol, suspension travel was 220 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear. As such, the GU Patrol had an approach angle of 37 degrees, a departure angle of 31 degrees and a ramp angle of 27 degrees. Furthermore, wading depth for the GU Patrol was 700 mm.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Nissan GU.IV Patrol DX consisted of a driver’s airbag.

The Patrol ST was further equipped with a front passenger airbag, while the ST-S, ST-L and Ti also had ABS. Unique within the range, the Patrol Ti was also fitted with front seat-mounted side airbags.

From August 2006, a front passenger airbag was standard across the range.

Features: Patrol DX

Standard features for the Nissan Patrol DX included an AM/FM radio with two speakers and CD player, front bucket seats with cloth trim, air conditioning, split/fold second row seats, central locking, power mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, vinyl floor covering, green tinted windows and an immobiliser.

Patrol DX models with manual transmissions had split rims with 7.50 R16 8PR tyres, while DX models with automatic transmission had spoked wheels with 235/80 R16 tyres. As an option, however, the DX could be specified with 265/70 R16 wheels.

Features: Patrol ST, ST-S and ST-L

Compared to the DX, the Patrol ST was fitted with 275/65 R17 tyres, a four speaker sound system with in-dash CD player, driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustment, moquette seat trim, side folding third row bench seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, remote central locking, power windows, carpet floor covering, variable intermittent front wipers and dashboard illumination control. For Patrol ST models with the TD42Ti and TB48DE engines, cruise control was also standard.

Visually, the Patrol ST (and higher) could be identified by its body-coloured bumpers, door handles and over-fender flares, and integrated side steps.

Relative to the Patrol ST, the Patrol ST-S added Alcantara seat trim and front seatback trays. The Patrol ST-L was further equipped with rear air conditioning, leather seat trim and power adjustable front seats.

Features: Patrol Ti

The range-topping Patrol Ti was distinguished by its six speaker sound system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer, satellite navigation system with rear view camera, rear seat DVD system, power-operated glass sunroof (tilt/slide operation) and wood grain trim.

Review: Nissan GU.V Patrol wagon (2007)

Overview

Released in March 2007, the GU Series V (GU.V) Patrol wagon was a minor update for the 2007 ‘model year’ before the release of the GU.VI Patrol. While the 4.8-litre TB48 engine was unchanged, the ZD30DDTi was fitted with a common-rail fuel injection system which, according to Nissan, provided greater refinement and responsiveness.

Features

Features were improved with cruise control fitted as standard across the range.

Specifications

• Specifications: Nissan GU Series 5 Patrol (March 2007)

Review: Nissan GU.VI Patrol wagon (2007-09)

Overview

Released in August 2007, the Nissan GU Series VI (GU.VI) Patrol wagon introduced a revised line-up and minor cosmetic changes. The ST-S variant was discontinued, and the 4.8-litre petrol inline six-cylinder engine was now available in the ST. Visually, the GU.VI could be identified by its was distinguished by its chrome door handles and lighter honeycomb grille.

Safety equipment

For the GU.VI Patrol, standard safety equipment consisted of dual front airbags; ABS was fitted to all variants except the DX and Walkabout. The Patrol Ti continued to be distinguished by its front seat-mounted side airbags.

2007 Patrol Walkabout

In November 2007, a limited-run Patrol Walkabout variant was released. Based on the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel DX variant, the Walkabout was distinguished by its 16-inch alloy wheels, six-disc CD player, alloy side steps, snorkel, cargo barrier, alloy bull bar, towbar and camping equipment.

Review: Nissan GU.VII Patrol wagon (2010-12)

Overview

Released in January 2010, the GU Series VII (GU.VII) was a minor update for the Patrol range, with the ST-L variant discontinued.

Features

Compared to its predecessor, standard features for the GU.VII Patrol wagon were largely unchanged.

Brochure

• Brochure: Nissan GU Patrol Wagon (October 2010)

Review: Nissan GU.VIII Patrol wagon (2012-16)

Overview

Released in March 2012, the Nissan GU Series 8 (GU.VIII) Patrol wagon introduced a revised range as the 4.8-litre TB48DE engine was discontinued. For the GU.VIII Patrol,

• A switchable rear differential lock was fitted as standard;
• Electronic stability control and traction control (Nissan’s ‘Vehicle Dynamics Control’ system was fitted as standard); and,
• The Patrol ST and Ti variants were fitted with a rear glass antenna and engine intercooler cover; inside, there were also chrome highlights for the dashboard dials.

Safety equipment

For the GU.VIII Patrol, electronic stability control and traction control were fitted as standard.

2012 Patrol Simpson 50^thAnniversary Edition

In May 2012, a limited-run Simpson 50^thAnniversary Edition was released. Compared to the ST variant, the Simpson 50th Anniversary Edition featured a satellite navigation system with Hema Tracks and a reversing camera; the Simpson 50th Anniversary Edition was also fitted with a newly designed alloy bulbar, driving lights, roof bars, kick plates, bonnet protector, air guide, stainless steel wheel cover and 41-litre cool box.

2013 Patrol ST Plus

In late 2013, a limited-run Patrol ST Plus model was released. Compared to the standard ST, the ST Plus was further equipped with a satellite navigation system, leather-accented seats, power adjustable front seats, a reversing camera and custom floor mats.

2014 Patrol Titanium Limited Edition

In October 2014, the three hundred (300) Patrol Titanium Limited Edition models were released. Compared to the Patrol ST on which it was based, the Titanium Limited Edition was further equipped with:

• A steel bulbar;
• Alloy ³/₄roof rack;
• Snorkel;
• Electric winch;
• Driving lights;
• Smoked bonnet protector;
• Towbar kit;
• Spare wheel cover;
• In-dash satellite navigation;
• Reversing camera;
• Moulded rubber floor mats; and,
• Titanium Edition key ring.

2016 Nissan Patrol Legend Edition

The Nissan Patrol Legend Edition was released in Australia in December 2016. Based on the Patrol ST, the Patrol Legend Edition was fitted with a range of Nissan genuine accessories – as standard – which included:

• A heavy-duty steel bull bar;
• Bull bar-mounted electric winch;
• Tow bar;
• Satellite navigation;
• Rear-view camera;
• Roof rack;
• Snorkel;
• Soft cover for the spare wheel; and,
• Custom decal.

Furthermore, the Patrol Legend Edition was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels with 275/65 R17 tyres. Australian deliveries of the Patrol Legend Edition were limited to 300 vehicles and offered in White Diamond, Polar White and Platinum paint finishes.

Brochures

• Brochure: Nissan GU Patrol Wagon (August 2012)
• Brochure: Nissan GU Patrol Wagon (November 2013)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Nissan Patrol (fifth generation)