Cars & Autos | Wednesday 4 March, 2015 8:30 am |

Sweeping tests on the Nissan Patrol Pick-up in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have resulted in a host of model improvements to a vehicle capable of tackling the most treacherous terrain.
Thanks to input from GCC customers plus the rigorous testing in the most exacting conditions, the result is a powerhouse vehicle that is even more appealing, especially to ‘overlanders.’ Particular attention has been paid to the needs of the huge market in Saudi Arabia, a pivotal area for the Patrol Pick-up.
Updates have been mechanical and aesthetic. The testing and research in the UAE and Saudi Arabian markets started in 2010 and have been ongoing in various forms. The following year a team from Nissan Shatai plant in Japan visited Liwa, Abu Dhabi, Oman and Saudi Arabia to assess the improvements for the renewed Patrol Pick-up.
Tests were conducted over a wide variety of terrain and the findings incorporated in the product development. The GCC launch of the Patrol Pick-up with 4.8L engine with coil suspension took place in 2012. Leaf spring introduction with 4.8L engine in Patrol Pick-up was in 2013. Patrol Pick-up can carry over one ton payload with leaf spring suspension.
Finally, last October a top Nissan R&D team made a fact-finding visit to Saudi Arabia from Japan to obtain further feedback on potential product improvements for the current vehicle.
Abdulilah Wazni, general manager - Marketing & Corporate Communications at Nissan Middle East says: “The Patrol name has a storied reputation in the GCC countries and Nissan will ensure that continues. The upgrades to the Patrol Pick-up are a direct result of us listening to our customers. By gathering and evaluating their feedback in the Gulf we are able to tailor the vehicle to requirements of the region.”
A host of upgrades have been incorporated into the vehicle. A second phase of development resulted in addition of a seat lifter, flat rear step bumper, reinforced frame, tire cover, and increased sub-tank capacity.
This seat lifter results in increased visibility for the driver, especially in the desert. This has been introduced after direct feedback from customers in the Nissan research in the region.
The flat rear step bumper provides a better drive in the desert especially during dune-bashing and also follows input from customers in the GCC.
The reinforced frame brings about improved performance and stability during load carrying while the tire cover enhances the overall appearance of the Patrol Pick-up. Fuel sub-tank capacity has been increased from 80L to 87L for longer drives
Nissan is conducting extensive awareness campaigns highlighting the two-door vehicle’s upgrades throughout the GCC states. The Nissan Pick-up attracted a great deal of attention at the Al Ahsa Dates and Palms 2014 Festival which was held last August through to October.

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Wazni says the Patrol Pick-up is Nissan’s “go anywhere, do anything, bring it on” vehicle.
“. It’s geared for the Middle East and the input of our customers to our research experts in producing the vehicle is invaluable.”