Nissan Terrano

Summary

Nissan, the Japanese automaker, launched the Terrano SUV in 2013 in India, followed by a special anniversary edition a year after. The SUV is one of the most popular Nissan cars in India. The exterior and interior styling is similar to the Renault Duster. Although, it gets sheet metal, all-new grille, bold bonnet lines, revised bumpers, silver-finished skid plates, new tail light cluster and tail gate design, tailgate with a license plate holder and several other exterior changes. Whereas, the interior is updated with slightly up-market dashboard, revised centre console with vertical silver panels, all black or beige - black interior and additional comfort-enhancing features. Since the Terrano shares its engine line-up with the Duster, it keeps the same 102bhp, 1.6-litre MPFi petrol engine and a 1.5-litre, K9K diesel engine in two states of tunes -  83.8bhp and 108.5bhp. Both the powertrains are combined with a 5-speed manual transmission. The SUV excels in terms of driving dynamics and off-road performance. Like most Nissan car models, the SUV offers smooth and comfortable ride.

Further to this, read Nissan Terrano Road Test details by our expert.

Exterior

The SUV resembles the Renault Duster; however, it gets sheet metal and updated styling. The front fascia features all-new grille, bold bonnet lines, headlamps with a four pod design, revised bumper, silver-finished skid plates and slightly modified roof rails. The side profile remains unchanged. At the rear end, it gets new tail light cluster and tail gate design, re-designed bumper with new alignment of reflectors and single color body panels.

Interior

The interior, too, looks similar to the Duster. However, the SUV received some substantial changes in terms of material quality, fit and finish and ergonomic. The beige cabin looks spacious and bright. The revised centre console with vertical silver panels, piano black panels around the new multimedia system, slightly up-market dashboard and all black (base variant) or beige - black interior (mid-level and top models) add more to its interior appeal. The SUV gets some additional features such as one-step driver height adjust, new audio system, rear AC vents and instrument cluster with orange backlight. 

Engine and Transmission

The SUV shares both petrol and diesel engines with the Duster. The 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, MPFi petrol engine develops a maximum power of 102.6bhp at 5850rpm and a torque of 145Nm at 3750rpm.

The 1.5-litre, 1461cc, 4-cylinder, K9K diesel engine is tuned to deliver two power outputs -  83.8bhp @ 3750rpm and 108.5bhp @ 3900rpm. The powerful versions yield a peak torque of 248Nm at 2250rpm, while the less powerful variants offer 200Nm at 1900rpm. The transmission options on offer are - a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed manual.

Performance and Handling

Sharing engine line-up with the Duster, the SUV offers excellent on road and off-road performance. The diesel engine feels very punchy above 2, 200rpm. Power delivery is instant with some turbo lag. The perfect power/weight and torque/ weight ratio further adds to its drivability. The high speed stability and performance are excellent. The gear and steering feedback are good, too. The SUV offers a smooth and composed ride even on rough roads. The handling is same as the Duster.

Braking System

The braking capabilities of the SUV are strong and robust. The front discs brakes and rear drum brakes stop the car instantly. ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) with Brake assist (BA) avoid skidding and handle sudden braking situations effortlessly. Though, the brake pedal feedback at high revs could have been better.

Mileage

The 1461 cc Diesel - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 18 kmpl in city and 20 kmpl on highways, while the Petrol variant offers a mileage of 11 kmpl on urban roads and 13 kmpl and freeways, respectively.

Safety Features

Like most Nissan car models, the SUV comes equipped with plenty of safety features such as driver airbags, central locking, engine immobilizer, door ajar warning, driver seat belt reminder, rear two point central seat belt, three point seat belt with retractor (front and rear) and high mounted stop lamp. The top-end model is offered with ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) with Brake assist (BA), front airbags for driver and passenger, front fog lamps, reverse parking sensor and rear defogger, along with all standard features.

Verdict

The Terrano is one of the most robust and fun-do-drive Nissan cars in India. Its masculine body-built, comfortable interior and excellent driving dynamics make it a perfect vehicle for Indian terrains.

Competition

Mahindra XUV500 Vs Nissan Terrano

There is no denying that the Mahindra XUV500 is a good value for money car. It offers feature-rich and more spacious interior than its rival. However, it lacks details and fit and finish isn’t up to the mark. The ride is bouncy and drive isn’t engaging. The Nissan Terrano, on the other side, offers very composed ride and impressive drivability. With strong performance, comfortable interior and robust body-built, Nissan’s SUV is a better than deal than the XUV500.

Pros

1. Exterior styling
2. Robust body built
3. Cabin space
4. Driving dynamics

Cons

1. Duster likes looks
2. Pricing

Awards

1. India’s Most Appealing SUV - J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2014 India APEL Study