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With Nissan's increased range, there's something for everyone now and the right vehicle to get the job done. The Patrol Pickup is one of those vehicles you can go anywhere with and do almost anything at the same time.
Nissan had us testing out the new Patrol Pickup at the magnificent Moolmanshoek Guest Farm out in Ficksburg in the Free State. The awesome mountain trail was perfect to get just a taste of what the Pickup is cable of.
Bigger is better
The Pickup is a tough, powerful heavy-duty workhorse that offers the same bold and attractive cab styling of the Patrol SUV.
The driving power comes from a powerful and thirsty 4.2 V6 Diesel engine, and although the Pickup looks big, it offers a comfortable ride even for the ladies.
The 16-inch wheels and sturdy firewalls result in a smooth ride. I couldn't even feel the numerous potholes on the tar road. However, it's not a ride to sit back and do your nails.
If the Pickup had to be described in one word, it would be 'honest'. This workhorse is made for the tough jobs, and being judged on that - it scores some serious points.
The Patrol kept proving itself time and time again as we went from high and low range and even viewing the vast game life on the farm in cruise control.
A favourite makes a comeback
Farmers and fleet owners look forward to its return to the South African market after a five-year absence.
The original version was taken off the market as the shape was a bit outdated for the market, especially with the evolution of the Land Cruiser.
The new, improved version of the Patrol Pickup capitalises on the strengths that made the original version so popular with the agricultural and commercial markets, namely being a no-nonsense, durable and reliable load-carrier.
"Why use a horse, when you can use a Pickup"?
It has a powerful, proven 4.2 litre in-line six cylinder common rail diesel engine which is driven by a five speed manual gearbox and kicks out an impressive 85 kW of power at 4 000 r/min. And with a healthy 264Nm of torque at just 2 000r/min, it makes a very efficient tow vehicle.
It boasts an impressive All-Terrain Suspension incorporating an advanced heavy-duty coil spring suspension with three links in front and progressive rate leaf springs at the rear with a semi-floating rear axle.
It features a heavy-duty chassis, Limited Slip Differential, cyclone air cleaner and long range fuel tanks with a total capacity of 175 litres (two separate tanks, a main 95 litre tank and an 80 litre sub tank), as standard equipment.
Braking is vacuum power assisted with 316mm ventilated discs in front and 295mm drums at the rear.
The Patrol Pickup's gross load capacity is 1 125 kg, and its towing capacity is 750 kg (without brakes) and 1 550 kg (with overrun brakes). There are also front and rear towing hooks, front mudflaps and lockable fuel filter caps.
Pimpin' your Pickup
The Patrol Pickup is not all work and no fun, as it offers passenger car-like interior styling and features. As Nissan wants to target the private sector, the optional package comes with some great, factory-approved accessories.
These include a front bumper that can take a winch, a bulbar, a towbar / step bumper, a double barrel tube roll-bar, air-conditioning and a sound system.
A double-skin rubberised load box is also available on request. Once fitted the standard cab can be transformed into a quite a sexy beast.
Pricing
The Nissan Patrol Pickup is covered by a three year or 100 000km factory warranty. Pricing starts at R285 800 for the Standard option, including VAT.
For the accessory options, it will cost a worthy R16 200 extra.
