The Qashqai is no more.
Removed from SA market because it wasn’t selling.
I honestly do not know why the Alliances (The Renault /Dacia, Nissan, Mitsubishi Alliance and the Stellantis Alliance) are still in South Africa.
The Chinese have arrived and these slow, lumbering, poorly-run, old brands with a few crap offerings have no place here.
No one buys their crap anymore.
I'll be sad to see Mitsubishi go, but they've been dying here for decades, remember when they were under Mercedes Benz?
Of the dying brands, Mitsubishi is the only one I feel sorry about.
But it's never been well run here in SA.
Yes, as a 4x4 enthusiast, Jeep has played a role, but in the past decade, they've only offered one worthy model, the Wrangler. And at R1 million they only sell 1 or 2 a month, so they are barely contributing anymore.
There is a weak rumor that they are working on a cheaper 4x4.
But why bother?
We have the Jimny & Mahindra has the Thar that we could bring in.
Mitsubishi were part of the Samcor group (Ford, Mazda, MItsubishi ) before being taken over by Mercedes. I was running an auto electrical workshop on the side line, I did many electrical repairs on Mitsubishi. From there I got my dislike for the brand. I know quality has improved but I was always amazed by the poor fitting and finish on the Pajero`s.
One thing, like most Japanese vehicles, Mitsubishi are know for thier very reliable drive trains.
I have owned several Nissan products and still have two Hardbodies in the business. I hate it to deal with Nissan. Must have the worst dealers in the country. Also can add that they have robust mechanicals. Unfortunately Nissan drop the ball on many of its products. Like the Patrol Bakkies. They should have gone the way Toyota did. Keep updating and keep it fresh.
New Y63 Patrol got unveiled yesterday in Abu Dhabi...
The specs for the new Patrol weren't a well kept secret, but here it goes anyway
3.5 Twin Turbo V6
317kW and 700Nm
9-Speed auto
Air suspension with up to 70mm height adjustment
Increased mass with same GVM
Quite a good looking vehicle though. Will only reach us here down under in 2026/2027, so not sure when this will hit the Southern side of Africa.
Seems like Nissan is trying to get the Bogan out of the Patrol. Looking at the spec and finishes I recon this will be priced the same as the 300 (my guess)
Yes, as a 4x4 enthusiast, Jeep has played a role, but in the past decade, they've only offered one worthy model, the Wrangler. And at R1 million they only sell 1 or 2 a month, so they are barely contributing anymore.
There is a weak rumor that they are working on a cheaper 4x4.
But why bother?
We have the Jimny & Mahindra has the Thar that we could bring in.
As a Jeep owner, I agree. The Wrangler has been over-priced for some obscure reason. It would be better for sales if they brought in the Sport version, but it seems that Stellantis only focuses on premium level trim models.
The Chinese now have the BAIC B40, which is 80% the same and half the price.
Toyota Land Cruiser 300 vs Nissan Patrol Y63
The Patrol has always sucked the hind tit compared to the Land Cruiser.
But then, that's how Bogans like to do it.
But now, possibly for the 1st time, it looks like Nissan has the Toyota's number.
Patrol 317kW & 700Nm
LC300 305kW & 650Nm
Patrol 9 Speed Auto
LC300 10 Speed Auto
Patrol 98L
LC300 110L
Patrol L 5205mm, W 2030mm & H 1955
LC300 L 4980mm, W 1980mm & H 1950
The Patrol is huuuge, 200mm longer than the LC300 & 50mm wider, it's Wheel base is also 200mm longer than the LC300's.
Patrol ha s22" wheels, vs the LC300 18" - not sure that's a win for Nissan though.
Other than the fact that Nissan SA is not great, the negatives for me of the Patrol is the size & potentially shorter range.
Pricewise I think they will be very similar in SA..
I don't like those 22's, hopefully you'll be able to fit 18" rims, if not, it's kak.
What say the Paptrille like Ant, Ian, Alex & Andreas?
Many guys who owns 300 Series diesel V6 Cruisers are not happy with them. Overall the 300 Series seems to be less popular than the 200 Series.
If Nissan can get its marketing right and the v6 Patrol is a worthy replacement for the V8 Patrol I can see a market for the new Patrol.
