Nissan Patrol 2005 Review

All of them pint-sized hatchbacks.

Worthy in their own right, but for a small gal like me it gets a little tiresome.

The old adage that good things come in small packages was obviously first spoken by a tall person because they have never lived the life of someone small.

My pleas for a big car were finally heard – the Nissan Patrol turbodiesel was ready for me to pick up.

It was my first time – ever – in a 4WD. I had seen them on the road and had been cut off by my fair share of four-wheel drivers. Now it was time to cash in on the karma.

An interstate motoring writer once wrote he could not understand the obsession with people wanting to sit high above the traffic.

Well, it's simple. You can see for miles and driving in peak-hour traffic strangely feels a lot calmer.

The Nissan Patrol is a beautiful car. Its interior is classy, yet not over the top, and with seven-seats you can fit the family, and then some.

With baby seat easily strapped in – and with two anchor points to choose from – the fam hit the freeway for a trip to Murray Bridge. What would've appeared to be a river in my usual hatchback was but a mere puddle in the Patrol.

The diesel engine, while sounding like I was driving a bus, was amazing on fuel efficiency.

Just in case, there is a back-up tank with just a push of the button needed to transfer the fuel stocks. Handy for drivers like me who just can't find the time to fill up the tank and push the boundaries of the "warning" petrol light and beeps.

For the driver and front passenger, there's plenty of space and comfort. Storage, as expected, is catered for with drop-down sunglass holders – these days a must rather than a luxury.

However, while a seven-seater, the Patrol lacks passenger space in the rear. Don't get me wrong, it's still comfortable, but a little bit more leg room wouldn't have gone astray.

On the plus side, the drop-down seat-back tables are perfect for occupying children with those pesky colouring-in books, or for a quick meal on the road without the mess or trying to balance food on your lap.

Back in the city, the Patrol weaves its way through the traffic with ease. Parking, while not my forte, was surprisingly easy thanks to the large side mirrors.

But it had to happen – in a moment of frenzy leaving the usually stressful Marion Shopping Centre car park, I cut off a hatchback.

That's karma for you.