With its rugged styling, legendary four-wheel driveability and user-friendly interior, the Nissan Patrol has set the standard in go-anywhere driving comfort. So it was no surprise when crowds flocked to the Melbourne Motor Show recently to see the covers come off Nissan's latest off-road vehicle, the Crossbow concept.

This impressive new vehicle features an exterior design of curved roof lines and straight body lines which have traditionally characterised the Patrol, creating a massive presence of strength and flexibility.

Access to the vehicle is easy, with centre-opening doors and electrically-operated retractable step boards.

The key theme of the interior is luxury. While the instrument panel is highly functional, the interior emphasises increased occupant comfort, including the use of seats with built-in suspension and leg support.

From the driver's seat, the view is all about technology. Below the centre console monitor are function switches for instantly accessing information about the audio system, navigation system, cellular phone, air-conditioning system and tyre pressure.

Four portable GSP navigation receivers can also be plugged in above the instrument panel, and users can remove the receivers to access the Crossbow's information terminal from outside the vehicle.

A large monitor in the centre console is divided into upper and lower screens. The upper screen shows navigation information while the lower screen displays general information, including operating guidance for various functions. Once this "Adventure Navigation System" has been set to the off-road mode, the entire monitor is devoted to information for supporting off-road driving. This includes three-dimensional navigation images along with a gyroscope, altimeter and vehicle attitude monitor.

Lighting the way of the future in four-wheel driving - and building on the tradition of Nissan's legendary Patrol - the Crossbow concept focuses on superior technology, reliability and superb four-wheel drive ability.