Nissan Patrol 2008 Review

But when your target market is scattered from wheat fields to forests, mining camps to beaches, it's smart to get it out there first.

Nissan took barely any time in sending a cab-chassis version of its Patrol out to its working market when it replaced its engine with the latest common-rail diesel technology.

The more efficient engine — in terms of economy and clean exhaust — meets the latest tailpipe emission rules.

The 3-litre turbo-diesel engine — basically the same as the old unit except with the new intake system — is also claimed to be more responsive and quieter.

It also allowed Nissan to increase the towing capacity of the cab-chassis to 3200kg from 2500kg.

While that's all a bonus, the cleaner engine comes with virtually no power or torque improvement.

It's still 118kW and 380Nm of torque, delivered at the same engine speed.

That's a bit disappointing given many rivals have made decent power and torque increases by adopting a common-rail — basically a single high-pressure intake manifold — system to their engines.

The Patrol cab-chassis on test was the ST version fitted with a Nissan factory alloy tray.

This is one up from the base model and, for a vehicle that's going to get a really tough life, it's pretty well equipped.

Standard is two airbags. I'll just mention here that the Patrol's major rival has no airbags. In fact, there's not even an option of airbags. Think about that before you buy.

The Patrol also gets a CD player, airconditioning and electric windows but not mirrors.

ON THE ROAD

There's not a lot of room in the cab with its two buckets seats.

It is possible to squeeze thin items behind the seats but I'm talking pizza boxes here.

A pleasant surprise is the supple ride — even when unladen — and the quiet diesel manners when cruising.

The five-speed manual gearbox is a bit of a clunker that would feel more at home in an old Kenworth, but works well with the diesel. The gearchange contrasts with a light clutch action.

Acceleration is brisk, as is overtaking when you keep in the 2000-3000rpm band.

Most off-road driving can be done with the engine ticking over at just above idle.

The transfer case is manual and has a stubborn shift to engage 4WD High and 4WD Low. The Patrol runs normally in 2WD.

Manual freewheeling hubs are a trick for new players and, in my case, old players with a fading memory.

I finally figured out that the soft sand course was becoming non-negotiable because I hadn't twisted the front hubs to the lock position. D'oh!

This thing is tough and feels unburstable. Part of that comes from the live axle front suspension which, while archaic, is rugged.

It rides on the road with more confidence than the model of a couple of years ago, but is down on the list compared with some 4WDs with independent front ends.

Regardless, this is a good thing. I think the standard airbags are a huge plus and the CD player just makes those country kilometres just tick by.

Prices start at $49,790 for the leaf-spring DX model. Add $390 if you prefer coil springs at the back. The ST here with coil springs costs from $52,890 though the tester added a bull bar, side skirts and tow hook and the alloy tray.

specs

NISSAN PATROL CAB-CHASSIS ST COIL

Price: $52,890

Engine: 3-litre, 4-cyl, turbocharger, intercooler

Power: 118kW @ 3200-3400rpm

Torque: 380Nm @ 2000-2400rpm

Fuel: Diesel

Fuel tank: 175 litres

Economy (official): 12.5 litres/100km

Economy (tested): 13 litres/100km

Towing (max): 3200kg