Nissan Patrol Range
Most big 4x4s have one thing in common theyre trying to muscle in on the luxury market. Ever since BMWs X5 showed that there was a lucrative market for those who cared more for a fancy badge, slick on road manners and a hefty complement of gadgetry, more and more manufacturers have hitched their wagons up to this trend. Nissan, however, arent one of them at least not when it comes to their rugged Patrol.
Now that so many rivals have decamped to the Luxury 4x4 sector, there arent too many big 4x4s that offer the sort of no nonsense charms served up in such generous helpings as this tough, go-anywhere off roader. Sticking to the knitting may well have been the smart ticket. While competitors have become ever more sophisticated and, consequently, expensive, the Patrol has stayed true to its roots, offering an awful lot of metal for your money. Youll only need £24,080 to land a Trek specification Patrol which, these days, is the sort of money youd pay for something like a Land Rover Freelander.
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The wheelarches have been reprofiled and the Aventura features revised 17-inch alloy wheels. This Range-topper also gets body-coloured wheelarch extensions, headlamp washers and a sunroof while all Patrols get large rear light clusters and integrated side sills. Youre a long way up in a Patrol.
"Theres no pretence about a Patrol"
The interior has been restyled to offer a look and feel thats a little more contemporary. The dashboard is a good deal curvier than before, invoking the design of the 350Z and X-Trail fascias and the cabin features some revised materials. One thing that hasnt been given the soft shoe treatment is the engine. Up from 158 to 160bhp, the ZD diesel units torque figure jumps from 354 to 380Nm, making the Patrol a good deal more tractable when accelerating from a standstill, towing a trailer or when crawling through axle deep gloop.
The Patrol Range is easy to get a handle on, starting with the £24,080 Trek version. Even this model features anti lock brakes, twin airbags, an alarm and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. With five doors and seating for five, the Trek isnt in any way bling, the black wheel arches marking it out as a no nonsense affair. A sliding rear seat that gives you the option of changing the balance between rear seat legroom and luggage allowance is a neat touch though.
If you want your workhorse fitted with a few more creature comforts, youll doubtless prefer the Aventura variant. Priced at £28,080 in manual form, Nissan have really gone to town with the standard equipment list. As well as the 17" alloy wheels and front fog lamps theres Nissans innovative DVD-based Birdview satellite navigation system which covers thirteen European countries. Also included are side airbags, an outside temperature gauge, compass, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, electronic climate control, rear side privacy glass and headlight washers. Despite all this kit, the Patrol still feels true to its hardcore roots. Take, for instance, the heavy-duty body construction and the three-tonne weight.
Powering your way through the jungle undergrowth should be easier than ever before. Nor can we forget the outstanding wheel articulation - for traversing ditches of course - and, naturally, the obligatory low Range gearbox for when conditions get really sludgy. For those looking to really test it to its limits, the Patrol will wade to a depth of 700mm and climb gradients up to 39 degrees. As far as on-road abilities are concerned, Nissan makes much of the efforts it has made to improve refinement and handling.
Alterations to the suspension geometry in recent times are supposed to have made for a more cosseting ride and better defined handling. If you tried an old-shape Patrol, youll certainly notice that transmission noise is reduced (down by 90 per cent no less - which gives everyone else some idea what that car must have been like). Wind noise is down too, courtesy of a body with better aerodynamic efficiency. The result is a car that handles pretty well for its size and performs much better thanks to that 3.
0-litre turbo diesel engine. Nevertheless, performance is still hardly neck-snapping; rest to sixty in 15.4s in the 5-door on the way to 99mph. The result is that you tend to drive with your foot to the floor absolutely everywhere.
Despite this, diesel power means you should average 26.2 mpg. So many rivals have chased the luxury money that theyve pretty much left the way clear for Nissans Patrol to clean up amongst those who still need a serious 4x4 that can work for its living. Although the Aventura looks tempting, its the Trek version that really appeals, offering all the capability with less of the cost.
Dont be fooled by the restyle and makeover. This is still hardcore.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Nissan Patrol Range
PRICES: £24,080-£28,080 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 13-15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 288g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 15.4s / Max Speed 99mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 26.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver and Passenger airbag, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 4965/1840/1855mm
