The Nissan Patrol is a very popular SUV globally and sells in great numbers. There have been a few Patrols running on Indian roads too which were privately imported in the 90s. Nissan is now planning to officially launch this SUV in India. It will directly rival the Toyota Land Cruiser.
The Patrol has a ladder on frame construction and will come with a 5.6 litre V8 diesel engine putting out 400 bhp. While there is a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes abroad, the SUV will be sold with only the 7 speed autobox in India. Interiors will be luxurious and the Patrol is expected to be loaded to the brim with features. Prices would hover around Rs. 1 crore or more as the Patrol will be sold as a CBU in India.
Nissan has not had much success with their earlier CBU models like the Teana saloon, the X Trail SUV and the 370 Z sportscar. The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a big hit in India especially in Bollywood so it remains to be seen if the Patrol can strike a chord with the Indian buyer considering it will be expensive. Not to mention it will also have to fight with the hugely popular German SUVs.