Nissan Patrol 2007 review

The holidays are looming and if getting off the beaten track for a camping trip is your idea of fun, there's a sharp deal on offer from Nissan. Nissan has released a limited-edition Patrol DX Walkabout which features more than $7000 in free extras. The $49,990 (a standard DX retails for $50,290) Walkabout adds alloy wheels, a six-CD stacker, bullbar and $2000 of camping equipment to the DX, but just 275 vehicles are available.

Meanwhile Nissan has also given its heavy-duty ute, the Patrol cab-chassis a new-look exterior and an updated three-litre diesel engine.

The ZD30 turbocharged diesel engine with intercooler is also used in the Patrol wagon range and has been recently upgraded with a common-rail fuel injection system.

One more apparent benefit of the engine, which replaces the previous older-technology 4.2-litre diesel, is the rated towing-capacity increase from 2500kg to an impressive 3200kg. Another plus for Patrol utes is that they are four-wheel-drive, complete with dual-range option. Patrol has serious off-bitumen credentials. The cab-chassis comes in two spec levels, the DX and the better-equipped ST. The DX can be ordered with coil or leaf rear suspension. The rear leaf springs are claimed to give optimum load-carrying ability and durability in rough conditions. All versions have a coil-sprung front end and an anti-sway bar.

All have the five-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential. Standard equipment includes double door seals (to help keep out dust and noise), wide-opening doors, CD player and airconditioning. The ST gets carpet, power windows, central locking, side steps, map lights and large centre console. The DX has a driver's bucket seat and a two-person passenger bench seat, while the ST has two bucket seats. All DX leaf-spring and ST models have standard dual front airbags. The DX coil-sprung models have airbags as an option. Coil-sprung DX and ST models are fitted with four-wheel disc brakes, while the DX leaf spring model has large rear drum brakes and front discs.

Pricing on the updated models remains unchanged: from $49,790 for the DX with leaf springs, $50,180 for the DX with coils and from $52,890 for the ST.

The ZD30 engine standard in all Patrol cab-chassis utes is a 2953cc job with double overhead camshafts, turbocharged and intercooled — giving 118kW power at 3200rpm-3400rpm and 380Nm of torque at 2000rpm-24000rpm.

The 95-litre diesel tank is backed up by an 80-litre sub tank, which promises good range for rural and bush use.

Patrol cab-chassis tare without a tray fitted is 1997kg for the DX with coil springs, 2123kg for the DX with leaf springs and 2009kg for the ST with coils. GVM is 3150kg, 3400kg and 3150kg.