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By
EWAN KENNEDY
4 February 2008
It would be unkind to call the Nissan Patrol a retro vehicle. Yet
it does have plenty of old fashioned touches in its style and
mechanical makeup. And having just spent a week in this workhorse
we have come away most impressed with the way it handles the daily
chores in the real world.
Large 4WDs are out of favour with the macho suburban brigade at
the moment. But Nissan Patrols are still highly regarded by the
rural buyer as well as the suburbanites who need to haul heavy
trailers or caravans.
Nissan's big Patrol is very much the real deal in the 4WD
scene. With a heavy-duty chassis, strong body construction and a
dual-range 4WD system, complete with a neutral position, it can
handle conditions that will break many a pretender in the 4WD
stakes.
Though it looks like an old design, the Patrol received a
thorough revamp for the 2005 model year, yet retained its original
styling. The main reason for the 2005 body upgrade was to further
enhance body stiffness, and therefore improve the overall
refinement of ride comfort and noise and vibration reduction.
The inside of the Nissan Patrol did get more radical changes
than the outside. The dash and instrument panel were modernised
and now have a more upmarket look. They're still square in shape,
but there's an element of refinement that will please many buyers.
Our test Patrol had the engine of choice of most buyers, the
big 4.2 turbo-diesel straight-six. It’s not the most refined
unit about, having the distinctive diesel clatter under
acceleration and when asked to work hard. But it’s a most
willing unit and pulls like a steam train from low revs and just
keeps working well all the time.
These are big spacious vehicles with genuine back seats that
can take three decent sized adults without them rubbing together.
There is also a pair of fold-up back seats that, though better
suited to the kids, can cope with grown-ups if need be.
The Nissan Patrol is offered in five- and seven-seat versions
and even the seven seaters have reasonable luggage space. The
five-seater’s boot is positively cavernous, just the thing for
the guys on the farm, or for the city slicker making that big
around-Australia caravan trip.
Patrol’s steering and handling can be on the ponderous side,
but driven within their limits they are pleasant enough to drive.
Dare we again say, in a somewhat old-fashioned sort of way?
For the 2008 model season the Patrol ST, as tested, gained ABS
antilock brakes. Dual airbags are fitted to every new Patrol.
Nissan’s big Patrol is aimed fair and square at people who
want a genuine 4WD that’s capable of putting up with real
off-road work for extended periods without missing a beat.
Buyers looking for a genuine off-road 4WD that has had an
excellent reputation in Australia for decades should make sure the
Nissan Patrol is sitting high on their short list.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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