Nissan India, the domestic division of the Japanese auto maker, seems all prepared to launch its much anticipated compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), Terrano in the Indian car market. If reports are to be believed then the Terrano, showcased on 20th of August, could be launched on 9th of October. With this new launch, Nissan India is planning to cash in on the upcoming festive season, wherein domestic buyers tend to purchase new cars.
The Japanese car maker has been actively working on its marketing strategy in order to popularise its upcoming compact SUV. The firm is leaving no stone unturned in doing so and has launched various advertising campaigns on social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter. It has also organised a media drive and has uploaded a brochure on Terrano's website, which carries all the information about different aspects of the car. The pre-orders of Terrano have already started with several dealers taking up small booking amounts. According to industry experts, Nissan will price the Terrano around Rs. 8.5 lakh for the introductory variant.
As told by Nissan, this upcoming compact SUV will be available in seven trim levels, namely XE, 85PS XL, 110PS XL, 104PS XL petrol, XL Plus, XV and XV Premium. The car is going to be available in six different colours, which includes Pearl White, Blade Silver, Sapphire Black, Sterling Grey, Bronze Grey and Fire Red. Sources close to this development claim that the upcoming compact SUV will be available in both petrol and diesel fuel options. The petrol version will be powered by a 1.6-litre MPFI engine that has an ability to generate 102 bhp of power and 145 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the diesel variant of Terrano shall be fitted with a 1.5-litre K9K DCi engine that will be offered in different trim levels having power outputs of 83 bhp and 108 bhp.
Terrano borrows its look from Renault Duster but credit must be given to Nissan, which has effectively managed to give its upcoming compact SUV a distinct look from its sibling. As seen in Terrano, the front fascia seems to be draw cues from company's flagship X-Trail SUV owing to its conventional masculine appearance. This upcoming car from Nissan will get a revised bumper that has a honeycomb grille and newly designed headlamps.
The petrol variant of Terrano will come with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), black centre console and front fog lamps. The top-spec diesel trim gets Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) with Brake assist, reverse parking sensors, rear air-conditioning vents and leather wrapped steering wheel. However, the absence of a touchscreen audio system and steering mounted controls might prove to be a deterrent, according to industry experts. It has been learnt that once Nissan introduces Terrano, its 4WD version would follow suit in the Indian car market.
After the launch of Nissan Terrano, the competition in the compact SUV segment will reach a new high as the segment already comprises Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport. According to analysts, Terrano has got the potential gain a sizeable market share of EcoSport and Duster. According to rumours, the car might make inroads in India on 9th of October but the company has not confirmed this date and is maintaining silence on the issue.
