Big And Beautiful
Two Noosa locals hit the road to review the newest Nissan Patrol TI and Alfa Romeo’s gorgeous Guilia.
Nissan Patrol Ti Review
By Mark Wacker, Company Director
The Patrol is Nissan’s flagship 4WD and epitomises the saying ‘bigger is better’. It is ranked the most powerful 4×4 in its class, with a mighty V8 engine. Yet its updated exterior shows a sophisticated side. The cabin area is spacious and lush.
The leather seats are super comfortable, plus 8 seats with 3 rows in the back makes it very versatile. Satellite Navigation System with an 8-inch colour touch screen, Bluetooth hands free, tri-zone climate control, and push button start, adds to the Patrols’ new level of sophistication.
On the road, the cabin is remarkably quiet and it has very smooth delivery with low gearing to help you leap away when needed, while the suspension and inter-linked hydraulic system shrugs off most bumps with ease.
The Patrol has a mighty braked towing capacity of 3,500kg making it the perfect off-road vehicle for your boat or motorbikes! I currently own a 2001 Nissan Patrol and have always enjoyed driving it both on road and off.
The Patrol certainly has come a long way since then.
With Nissan’s 3-year warranty and capped price servicing it certainly is a great 4WD option for your weekend adventures.”
Beautiful sound coming out of the 5.6 litre V8 engine.
What I liked:
- 3,500kgs of braked towing capacity
- Outstanding steering ability
- Smooth power delivery
- Very torquey
- Comfortable 4WD
Alfa Romeo Guilia Review
By Elisa Hurtado, Insurance Broker and Founder/Director of Virago
With just your first glimpse of the Italian Alfa Romeo Giulia, you know you’re in for a hot ride.
The sleek exterior oozes sexiness with the iconic trilobed Alfa Romeo front grille and 19-inch, 5-hole aluminium alloy wheels. It is instantly recognisable, and you can’t wait to hop inside!
The interior is every bit as sexy as the outside. With leather race car seating that hug your body, a sports steering wheel and aluminium sports pedals, you feel like you’re in a race car. With an 8.8-inch multimedia screen and lightwood dash inserts, the cockpit is built for driver comfort and luxury.
Heated front seats are a luxury expected in this car, but the bonus heated steering wheel is such a great idea. I felt at ease using the front and rear parking sensors, as well as the reverse camera. With a 5-star ANCAP safety rating I certainly felt secure behind the wheel.
Once on the road the drive feels delicate, with ground breaking aerodynamics, it really is gentle and light for a sports car. The engine sounds sporty, yet refined, while the steering is exceptionally quick, making it nimble around all of Noosa’s roundabouts.
The award-winning Giulia, certainly deserves its praise.
What I liked:
- Overall this is a car that makes you feel like a star
- Sports car cockpit style interior
- Exterior is very cool
- Great braking sensitivity
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- 8 speed automatic with manual shift paddles
- Front and Rear cameras and lane departing sensors
