The objective of Franco-Japanese Renault-Nissan Alliance, which was formed in 1999, was to ascend the profit ladder. Their strategic partnership was aimed at developing a strong automotive group by sharing technology and expertise. Much after the successful launch of the Renault Duster in the Indian auto market last year, car enthusiasts expectations had been significantly increased from the recently released Nissan Terrano. The newly launched compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), Terrano, is a product of the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which has been inspired from the Duster that has already proved its mettle in the market.
Renault Duster set the charts on fire when it was introduced in the Indian car market. The body structure of the car is built on monocoque chassis. Following the same platform of Duster, Nissan Terrano is quite similar in body structure. If one compares the design of both the cars, then due found emphasises must be given to the almost identical B and C pillars of Terrano and Duster. However, the major differences in the styling of Terrano can be seen on the outside whereas, the interior is somewhat the same as given in Duster.
Even though, the Japanese car maker, Nissan has added few features in its Terrano like CD player, Bluetooth connectivity and USB, the quality of plastics still reminds that of Renault Duster. Based on the same platform of Duster, Nissan Terrano gets a revamped front fascia as it offered with a restructured bonnet, bumpers and headlamps besides the honeycomb grille featuring the Nissan badge.
Duster and Terrano are both available in petrol and diesel variants. Both these SUVs have same suspension system, except that the former differentiates the latter by a combination of split designed tail lamps fitted at the rear section. Also, the interiors in Terrano are in beige with premium leather seats, and instead of circular AC vents as that in Duster, this new upgraded model from Nissan features rectangular shaped ones.
There is abundant space inside the cabin of Duster that makes it look more roomier. The strength of the Duster is its excellent ride and handling quality, which the Nissan Terrano also exhibits. Featuring the same 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine (as found in Duster), the compact SUV, Terrano is offered in two different variants that deliver 85 bhp and 110 bhp as power output. In addition to this, there is a 1.6-litre petrol engine that is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The designing of Terrano was done at Nissan's Yokohoma design studio while its manufacturing was done at Renault-Nissan technology centre, India.
Undoubtedly, Nissan Terrano will give tough competition to its sibling, Renault Duster in as it boasts of advanced new features and good overall design. Talking about price, Nissan Terrano carries a starting price of Rs. 9.59 lakh while Duster is available from Rs. 7.99 lakh. The higher price tag of Terrano is due to the royalty clause in Nissan-Duster alliance. However, at present Nissan should be focussing on the stiffest rival to its car, which is Ford EcoSport.
