The Patrol was launched with an old fashioned 2.8-litre TD unit in 1998. It’s very noisy and hard work, but provides loads of low-down power for towing and serious off-roading, along with reasonable fuel economy. The 160bhp 3.0-litre Di replaced it in 2000 and is a vast improvement, though it still has an agricultural feel to it. Acceleration is leisurely – 0-62mph comes up in around 15 seconds – and it takes a while to get up to motorway speeds.

But, once there, it’s happy to cruise. There’s an automatic gearbox available, but with only four-speeds, the old-fashioned system is slow to change gear. The spongy brakes don’t inspire much confidence, especially when slowing down from motorway speeds and there is no traction control system available.

The Patrol is a proper off-roader and drives like it. So it’s no surprise that the steering is vague and there’s lots of bodyroll. It’s at its worst around town, where it takes much skill to pull off three-point turns and parking is difficult. Nipping in and out of spaces is not ideal either. That’s the pay-off for excellent off-road performance with a low-ratio gearbox, excellent entry and departure angles and a diff-lock.

It’s an excellent tow car too and the ride’s pretty good for a car of this type.