Nissan Patrol Ti 2004 review

I have finally shaken the guilt and justified the existence of the city-slicker beast in my driveway by learning some off-road ropes.

The mystery of that extra stick near the coin tray in my car is revealed. And what fun it is to play with.

My new-found experience is based upon a recent rough-road romp through the Grampians in a Nissan Ti Patrol.

It was part of a "frill-seeking" adventure to these mountains, combining extreme nature and five-star luxury. You know, not quite the whole bush experience.

The Nissan Ti was the perfect partner to this pursuit with the adventure and frills all rolled into one. It's the lavishly fitted top cocky of Nissan's substantial 4WD crop.

Over hill, over dale, fearing my tyres might pop at any moment as I traversed loose rocks, through dusty ditches and through sections where the road was covered in water hiding who knows what, my trepidation turned to relief. It's not so scary. I can do this.

And what's more, I can do it in comfort. Perfect.

A bit like a tent with en-suite, hairdryer power point and all.

Now, I will design holidays around more of this fun, honestly. I'll impress my kids (who were glad paranoid mum wasn't there to spoil the thrills on their last 4WD outing with dad). I'll show them, mum too can drive on the edge. In my dreams, I might one day do it in my very own $77,490 Ti.

The new Patrol has some marked changes which will interest the blokes. Things like a revised front fender and bonnet, integrated rear bumper and new 17in alloy wheels.

OK. Outside it is smart and tough – built to take a beating. But inside, the tackle gets interesting.

A must-have, standard in the Ti, is a sophisticated satellite navigation system with a screen fully integrated into the centre dash. The thing that really impressed me is that this gadget doubles as a rear-facing camera. In reverse mode, you get a pretty picture of everything behind you. The city-slicker in me thinks of all the little people nipping behind me that are now completely safe, but it also was very handy when backing up between two trees Mother Nature had neatly placed just millimetres wider than my vehicle.

I also enjoyed sinking into the all leather and woodgrain trim. Roughing it, doesn't mean going shabby! And there was plenty of room for all the paraphernalia an adventurous girl must keep at her fingertips.

Now all I need for the days I just enjoy sitting high above city traffic is a sign saying: Damn the critics, I do take this beast off-road.

LOVE IT LEAVE IT
Nissan Patrol Ti 4.8 

LOVE IT
THE rear camera cures the problem of reversing blind. The blend of sheer comfort when "roughing it" and I just like being up high where nobody can argue with me.

LEAVE IT
THE rear flip-down table could be more user-friendly. Seven seats is great, but eight would be even more useful.