NISSAN'S Patrol GR has a new look for 2003, lower prices and a changed range which includes a “new seven men and a dog spec” priced at £24,000.

There are three models in the revised line-up. All have the same long wheelbase, five-door, seven seating body (with last year's three door biting the dust).

First in the 2003 range is the new £24,000 S which has been stripped to offer more metal and all round ability than anything else at the price. Then Nissan pushes aside last year's SE pack and goes straight to the top with the leathered up SVE priced at £28,395, or for another £1,400 with automatic transmission. The SVE replaces the outgoing SE+ and is just as lavishly equipped. Yet it costs £1,360 less.

The 2003 Patrol GR has even more imposing front styling incorporating Nissan's new brand identity. The SVE gets large foglights incorporated into its redesigned front bumper and headlamp washers instead of the previously employed wipers. The tail-lights change, too, as does the range of available colours. Inside, there's a new steering wheel and instrument dials.

The trim on the doors and centre console have been upgraded and the SVE gets an in-dash six CD autochanger plus the no-cost option of tan leather in combination with certain colours.

There is increasing demand, though, as other 4x4s crossover uptown and upmarket, for a more basic Broader to be used as a no nonsense working vehicle during the week and as family transport at weekends. Which is why Nissan has introduced the £24,000 Patrol GR S.

It's distinguished from the SVE by its naked black bumpers and wheel arch extensions. Out, too, go the SVE's alloys and urban two-tone paint job. What it doesn't lose are the SVE's offroad tuned anti-lock brakes, rear diff lock, selectable high and low ratio four-wheel drive, automatic free running hubs with manual lock and the switchable rear stabiliser bar to give even more rear wheel travel when things get rocky.

Its seats are trimmed in a tough grey cloth and the S still has remote central locking, an alarm, all round electric windows, twin airbags, a luggage area cover, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, air conditioning and a single CD player.