(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) IN A LAND dominated by SUVs, it takes a something special for someone to part with their money for one vehicle over the other. When it comes to what we're going to talk about today, we can instantly dismiss the strictly road-going crossovers that possess the tinsel of off-road prowess. No, this week is all about hardy 4x4s, which, even if they never encounter a speck of mud - mainly being driven from home to work to the mall and back - still have the ability to rough it out if need be.
Specifically we'll be looking at the new Nissan Patrol - perhaps the greatest rival to the UAE's adopted motoring mascot, the much-revered Toyota Land Cruiser. Like Microsoft and Apple in the tech world, these are the two biggest marques producing arguably the best models out there. Rivalry is predictably fierce and fans of either will swear by their choice, not thinking to budge when it comes to making a new purchase. So, with this article we're going for the floating voter and highlighting what we thought of the Patrol.
It appears to be a common thread for the modern off-road range across the board that much time and money has been invested in the way they look. From the Honda Pilot to this Patrol, style has been elevated to the top of the car makers' lists where functionality used to be the primary concern. Don't get us wrong, these cars remain functional, they just look a lot nicer than the customary "lumps on four wheels" they used to be.
Rounded edges combined with beefed up muscular flairs around the body contribute to the sturdy image the Patrol wishes to project. You can tell just by looking at it that it would take a pretty intense dune, swamp or ford to challenge the long wheelbase machine. That's before you get behind the wheel. Once there you'll feel as if you're in charge of your very own marine. A colonel if you will, you can tell this car to do anything and its 400hp 5.6-litre V8 engine (LE model tested) will dutifully oblige and get you there. The vehicle's independent double wishbone suspension and almost one foot of ground clearance (27.3 cm) will help you clamber up the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter where groups of Patrols can often be seen embarking on daily desert safaris. With the ability to carry eight people and an up to 140-litre fuel tank, they make ideal touring cars.
Displaying such ruggedness, you'd think the interior was as Spartan as the aforementioned marines. Sir, no, sir! The Patrol provides a decent level of comfort - leather seats, brilliant air conditioning, all Nissan's gadgets and an optional family entertainment package.
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