Bush tackle for limited edtion Walkabout Patrol

Diehard heavy-duty 4WD enthusiasts will welcome Nissan's latest limited-edition version of the venerable Patrol.

Dubbed "Walkabout" the special Patrol is based on the five-seat, turbodiesel DX model and is fitted out to delve deep into the bush where river crossings and muddy, overgrown tracks abound.

As the base model Patrol, the DX in normal form is pretty sparsely equipped, lacking some of the niceties many buyers expect these days, including such things as power windows and power seats.

On the other hand, true-blue off-roaders welcome the DX's vinyl floor, simple seat trim and the no-nonsense, uncluttered dash free of things like climate-control air-conditioning or satellite navigation (although cruise control is standard).

Walkabout buyers however should appreciate the six-disc CD player, 16-inch alloy wheels, snorkel, alloy bullbar, towbar and cargo barrier that come as part of the deal.

Those with a hankering for adventure will be delighted with the $2000 worth of camping and outdoor equipment neatly packed aboard the Walkabout Patrol, although some may not like the alloy side steps. These can be something of a compromise when traversing deeply rutted tracks.

The DX lacks the ABS braking fitted from mid-range ST-S models upwards, and the front side airbags found in Ti Patrols, but does get driver and passenger airbags as standard.

The economical four-cylinder 3.0-litre turbodiesel DX Patrol engine produces 118kW, along with a solid 380Nm of torque at just 2000rpm (354Nm in four-speed auto form).

The Patrol's part-time 4WD, limited-slip rear differential and heavy-duty suspension carries you into places that less-focussed SUVs can only think about.

In five-speed manual form, the Walkabout Patrol is available in white or (extra-cost) burnt silver, priced at $49,990. Automatic transmission adds $3000.

 » Get the best price on a new Nissan Patrol

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