Dubai: Nissan is aiming for a comprehensive knockout in the region’s SUV category with a 1-2-3 launch plan for its best-selling Patrol, including having the world premiere of the ‘Desert’ edition at the Dubai International Motor Show. This follows the earlier announcement that it would be introducing the high-performance Nismo version of the Patrol.
The third element in the game plan will be a second release of the Patrol Black Edition.
“The idea is that the Patrol should be the ‘king of all terrains’,” said Michel Ayat, CEO at Arabian Automobiles Co., the local dealership. “The first set in the Black Edition was sold out in a matter of weeks and we are confident of a repeat performance.”
But it will be the Desert Edition that will be cynosure of near-term attention. It has been extensively retooled including an enhanced suspension to have a smooth enough run in off-road conditions in the region. The model was developed in collaboration with Dr. Mohammad Ben Sulayem, the region’s own motorsport legend.
The Nissan Patrol Deesrt Edition will be priced at $69,430 in the UAE. The Nismo will be priced from $100,470.
According to Ayat, “No longer can manufacturers and dealerships just get by giving what a customer needs. These days, you need to pre-empt his every want.”
The Desert version is based on the Patrol LE, which features a 5.6-litre V8 engine that knocks out a substantial 400-hp and 560-Nm of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission incorporates a manual mode and synchronised rev control.
“It is not only the ultimate Nissan Patrol but is also, without a doubt, the most capable vehicle there is for exploring this region’s unique and challenging terrain,” said Samir Cherfan, Nissan’s regional Managing Director. “The development followed research that we conducted in the GCC, which outlined that our consumers wanted an ultimate off-roading version of the Patrol.”
Nissan’s Patrol push will come in handy as the battle for SUV supremacy takes on renewed intensity with Toyota having just launched the new Land Cruiser.
By creating multiple price points with limited edition offerings, Nissan is hoping to land a decisive blow. In the UAE, the SUV category represents around 45 per cent of the overall automotive sales.
Dominance is on Nissan’s agenda
The Patrol Desert Edition, specifically built for the Gulf markets, features special skid plates for underbody protection. In addition it has an on-board tyre inflator for getting the car’s tyres back to normal pressure for driving home, as well as ‘bead-lock’ wheels that enable these to be used at extremely low pressures without the risk of them coming off.
For the off-road manoeuvres, the Desert Edition comes with an advanced navigation system, including forward facing and reversing cameras alongside a Bluetoot- hands free system.
