Nissan Safari Y61 2.8 TD (5 dr) (135 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Nissan Safari:

The Nissan Patrol is a series of off-road vehicles and full-size SUVs manufactured by Nissan in Japan since 1951 and sold throughout the world. It is Nissan's longest running series of models.
The Patrol has been available as either a short-wheelbase three-door or a long-wheelbase five-door chassis since 1951. The LWB version has been offered in pickup truck and cab chassis variants. Between 1988 and 1994, Ford Australia marketed the Patrol as the Ford Maverick. In some European countries, such as Spain, the Patrol was marketed by Ebro as the Ebro Patrol. In 1980 in Japan, it was rebadged and alternately sold at Nissan Prince Store locations as the Nissan Safari....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Y61 Overview:

Nissan Safari (Y61). With 292 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9 l/100km). With a weight of 1850 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15.7 s). The top speed reaches 150 km/h. A rugged vehicle built to handle rough terrains and challenging driving conditions. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Nissan Safari Y61 generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a robust, body-on-frame off-roader from its era, its passive safety features would likely not meet modern standards, prioritizing structural integrity for harsh environments.

2.8 TD (5 dr) (135 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Similar to the manual 2.8 TD, but the automatic transmission can slightly dull performance and responsiveness.

Fuel Economy

Slightly worse fuel economy than the manual version due to the automatic transmission's characteristics.

Best Use Case: Comfortable daily driving, urban use, those preferring automatic convenience.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Legendary off-road capability and durability
  • • Robust body-on-frame construction
  • • Spacious interior and cargo capacity
  • • Excellent towing capacity
  • • Highly reliable TD42 and TB45 engines

Cons:

  • • Poor fuel economy, especially with petrol engines
  • • Unrefined on-road ride quality compared to modern SUVs
  • • Dated interior design and technology
  • • Some engines (ZD30, RD28) have known reliability issues
  • • Poor crash safety by modern standards

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Y61: 1997 - 2002).

General:
Brand:Nissan
Model:Safari
Generation:Y61
Modification (Engine):2.8 TD (5 dr) (135 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:2000
End of production:2002
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Off-road vehicle
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:135 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:47.8 Hp/l [570mm more]
Torque:292 Nm @ 2000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:RD28ETi1 More details about the engine RD28ETi1
Engine displacement:2826
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Precombustion chamber injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Valvetrain:OHC
Engine oil capacity:6.4 l
Coolant:11.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:15.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:15.7 sec
Maximum speed:150 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:13.7 kg/Hp, 73 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.3 kg/Nm, 157.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:14.9 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1850
Max. weight:2920
Max load:1070
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2226 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:305 l
Fuel tank capacity:95 l
Size:
Length:4910 mm mm [570mm more]
Width:1930 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1865 mm mm [10mm more]
Wheelbase:2970 mm mm [570mm more]
Front track:1605 mm
Rear (Back) track:1625 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size265/70 R16
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Nissan Safari?