Nissan Terrano Review & Pictures: Terrific Terrano

[350Z]

“Terrific Terrano”

Nissan Terrano Review Synopsis: Nissan Terrano price tag is between Rs.10.14 – 12.61 Lakh (Ex.showroom, Delhi). It officially launched in India in October 2013.​

That was a typical scorching noon in Delhi when I rushed to reach at the airport with excitement and curiosity, knowing that I’m going to spend next 24 fruitful hours of my life in Udaipur with a car that claims to take Nissan India’s brand image to the next level. Driving a car before its launch is always a different feeling. Even though in this case it was obvious that underpinnings of Japanese Terrano will be no different than its French counterpart – Renault Duster. Yup. The Nissan Terrano essentially remains to be a Duster with some bells and whistles. This car follows the badge-engineering philosophy of Renault-Nissan’s strategic alliance. Once it goes on sale pan-India on 9th October, Terrano will become the third cross-badged product from Renault-Nissan’s stable after Renault Scala à la Nissan Sunny and Pulse à la Nissan Micra. Yet, it’s worth noting that Nissan does not intend to sell badge-engineered cars in India any further after this release.

This is due to the simple fact that both partners have been sharing models in order to achieve a level of cost-competitiveness for an initial establishment in the market. However, the bitter truth is that neither of them has managed to stand against the competition so far. Thus, by 2016, Nissan expects to achieve 10% growth by introducing a host of all-new models including the Datsun brand to India. In meanwhile with Terrano, the idea is to target blooming compact-SUV segment but a premium one at that. Unlike existing hierarchy in which Nissan’s products are priced lesser than cross-badged Renaults, this car will be an exception with a price tag likely to be dearer by Rs.50,000 – Rs.70,000 than Duster. Digging in deeper brings out another piece of interesting information. According to Renault-Nissan’s partnership agreement, the recipient carmaker has to price its model marginally higher than the donor. Plus, a few tweaks and add-ons also push ahead the manufacturing costs.

For car aficionados, Terrano is not at all a new name. Just like Sunny, Nissan has decided to resurrect the Terrano brand name that commenced its expedition more than a couple of decades ago with aliases such as Pathfinder and Mistral, sold as different products in different markets. Though in our nation, Terrano emerges as an altogether a new name in the compact SUV sector which is, of late, already seen as a new hotspot by many car manufacturers. On one hand, Renault Duster is positioned as a typical compact SUV; while on the other hand, Ford has strategically targeted New Ecosport under sub-four meter compact SUV territory. Now it’s Nissan’s turn to play its cards right.

 

[350Z]

Nissan Terrano: Looks and Design

On first look, Nissan Terrano unmistakably appears like a smaller sibling of Pathfinder (R52) 2014. The company has flawlessly embedded all the distinctiveness of its family design on fascia of a Duster. Be it the bold three slot heritage grille with hamburger logo tucked in middle or the sleek and sharply designed headlamps. The enhancements are not just limited to headlamps or the bumpers but Nissan has also made noticeable efforts to revise the styling of sheet metal wherever required. Such as the two vertical lines on the hood that adjoins from chrome grille and splits towards each fender. Move aside and that’s when you realize that it's wolf in a sheep’s clothing Duster in a Terrano’s clothing.

Side design is mostly left untouched, because of which the tinge of Duster becomes rather evident on this Nissan. Most clear change is in ORVM housing that’s reduced in Terrano unlike in the Duster which stretches till the fender. Furthermore, side indicators surprisingly still do not sit on the outside rear view mirrors and continue to find their way on fenders but have different shape. The overall design language visibly indicates that the company intends to maintain a balance of premium appeal along with a SUV’ish aggression on Terrano. Probably for this reason, B and C Pillars have been blackened but the same color from plastic claddings has been taken off. The new diamond cut machined alloy wheels are strikingly awesome too. They’re equipped with Apollo rubber while the low-end end variants have full-sized wheel covers with MRF Wanderers. The dimension, however, is same across the range which is 215 / 65 R16 (Ditto to Duster, again).

The rear design is a good example of clever utilization of Renault’s donated body shell. To make the car’s look different than Duster, tail lamps had to be overhauled without creating changes in the outline of metal sheet. Nissan has successfully accomplished the same and how! The peanut form of Duster’s tail lamps is retained but company has added an extended patch of tail lamp assembly on the boot door. As a result, not only causing the car to appear as much intimidating as its front but is also significantly differentiated from its counterpart. The registration plate area has also gone under the knife, apart from tail lamps. It’s now trapezoidal and the car’s name is not embossed on the chrome stripe but rather located as a separate badge on bottom left of the boot door. The exposed tow hook has been covered and the size of rear parking sensors has gone on a diet (though not in body color) making this SUV a more sophisticated one. In short, Terrano is a clear answer to those who argued that a Duster couldn’t look stylish.

 

[350Z]

Pictorial Comparison (Exteriors): Nissan Terrano vs Renault Duster

Exteriors Comparison: Nissan Terrano vs Renault Duster

 

[350Z]

Nissan Terrano: Interiors and Comfort

Nearly every bit of the interiors in Terrano takes you back to Renault’s memory lane. Save for the dashboard’s center console, Nissan has opted to keep the whole thing intact in terms of design as well as quality standards. I spent a good amount of time on rear as much as I did behind the steering. From the viewpoint of a casual onlooker; it was difficult to figure out a single difference. But then, put on those petrol head goggles and a few variations tend to emerge out of nowhere. For instance, absolute use of beige color even on places where Duster is painted in black. In turn, providing an already spacious car a sense of more roominess.

However, biggest change on the interiors of Terrano is visible in middle of dashboard where Nissan has reworked to set the looks apart. First of all, the open compartment has been neatly enclosed as in a good ol’ Maruti 800. Secondly, center air conditioner vents are now rectangular in profile opposed to the circular vents found on Duster. Terrano is also blessed with an all new head unit, which a Nissan official, in an exclusive conversation with The Automotive India claims to be better than the one on its Renault counterpart. Being pre-production vehicles, a few features from our media test cars were missing that however would make way in the cars on sale in showrooms, like a 6.1” DVD touch screen head unit and controls mounted ‘on’ the steering (not behind) on expensive variants.

Those with eagle eyes would also figure out that placement of buttons on center console are a tad different than Duster. The central lock button has been shifted to right while its place is now occupied with USB and Aux-in slot (Not built-in to the head unit). Likewise, rear demister switch from right hand side has been moved below with air conditioner adjustment rotary knobs. If that doesn’t suffice, Nissan has served a few more minute changes on the platter. Vertical lines on co-passenger side dashboard storage are horizontal in Terrano while the instrument cluster cover is also furnished with a new design. The gauges itself have microscopic differences that are nothing to write home about.

 

[350Z]

Pictorial Comparison (Interiors): Nissan Terrano vs Renault Duster

Interiors Comparison: Nissan Terrano vs Renault Duster

 

[350Z]

Nissan Terrano: Technical Specifications

Nissan Terrano carries the same mills from Renault, namely, 1.6L Petrol, 1.5L Diesel (85 PS) and 1.5L Diesel (110 PS). Please read our detailed Renault Duster Review to know more about the overall driving dynamics since this report only focuses on the changes in Terrano over Duster.

Prices (Ex. Showroom, Delhi):

Nissan Terrano 104 PS Petrol:

> XL: Rs 9,79,300

Nissan Terrano 85 PS Diesel:

> XE: Rs.9,59,999

> XL: Rs.10,66,300

> XL Plus: Rs.10,94,050

Nissan Terrano 110 PS Diesel:

> XL: Rs. 11,33,300

> XV: Rs. 12,16,350

> XV Premium: Rs.12,46,350

Nissan Terrano Engine Options:

Petrol Engine (104 PS)

> Displacement: 1598CC, 4 Cylinders

> Power: 104 PS @ 5850 RPM

> Torque: 145 NM @ 3750 RPM

> Transmission: 5 Speed Manual

> Mileage (Claimed): 13.2 Kmpl

Diesel Engine (85 PS)

> Displacement: 1461CC, 4 Cylinders

> Power: 85 PS @ 3750 RPM

> Torque: 200 NM @ 1900 RPM

> Transmission: 5 Speed Manual

> Mileage (Claimed): 20.45 Kmpl

Diesel Engine (110 PS)

> Displacement: 1461CC, 4 Cylinders

> Power: 110 PS @ 3900 RPM

> Torque: 248 NM @ 2250 RPM

> Transmission: 6 Speed Manual

> Mileage (Claimed): 19.01 Kmpl

Nissan Terrano Technical Specifications:

> Length: 4331 MM

> Width: 1822 MM (2000 MM with ORVMs)

> Height: 1671 MM (with roof rails) / 1626 (without roof rails)

> Wheelbase: 2674 MM

> Front Track: 1560 MM

> Rear Track: 1567 MM

> Ground Clearance: 205 MM

> Min. Turning Radius: 5.2 M

> Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 Liters

> Max Gross Weight: 1755 Kgs (Petrol) / 1764 Kgs (85PS Diesel) / 1787 Kgs (110PS Diesel)

>Front Brakes: Disc

>Rear Brakes: Drum

>Front Suspension: Independent McPheson Strut with Coil Springs & Anti Roll Bar

>Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Springs & Anti Roll Bar

>Steering: Hydraulic Power Assisted (Petrol) / Electro Hydraulic Power Assisted (Diesel)

>Tyres: 215 / 65 R16 Tubeless

Nissan Terrano Color Options:

> Bronze Grey

> Pearl White

> Blade Silver

> Sapphire Black

> Sterling Grey

> Fire Red

Nissan Terrano Full Features List

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[350Z]

Nissan Terrano: Likes, Dislikes and Star Ratings

You’ll Love:

> Stylish and more intimidating looks.

> Additional use of beige makes the interiors livelier.

> Extremely spacious for a compact SUV. Comfortable for 5.

> Brilliant ride and handling continue to remain a prime USP.

> Standard steering mounted controls and 6.1” DVD Player are a welcome addition.

You’ll Loathe:

> Nissan India’s limited after sales and service support.

> Nearly the same features but at a price tag more than the Duster.

> More or less Terrano is still a Renault Duster with a different logo.

> Same ergonomic flaws carried forward. An opportunity missed by Nissan.

> Higher pricing could be a letdown for a few potential customers considering the pricing hierarchy of previous models.

The Automotive India Star Ratings:

> Design and Quality...................:

> Comfort and Features..............:

> Engine and Performance..........:

> Handling and Ride Quality........:

> Safety and Security Levels.......:

> Overall Fuel Consumption........:

> Sales and Service Network......:

> Value For Money Factor...........:

> The Automotive India’s Verdict:

Miscellaneous Points:

> There are total five variants on offer: XE, XL, XL Plus, XV and XV Premium.

> The different trims come with different interior shades. The base model will have black interiors.

> Seats even on the lower variants are partially layered with artificial leather from side and back.

> There are a few minute differences in Terrano over Duster which can be spotted only by eagle eyes.

> Interestingly, one has to separately pull the door lock pin and then pull unlock lever unlike Duster.

> The last row seats (which are suitable for kids) could be offered as a part of official accessories.

> Nissan India is also seriously giving a thought to introduce 4x4 as well as automatic version in sometime.

> Personally I found the clutch on 110PS Terrano less tiresome than Duster which I tested. Some claim that newer Dusters have a better clutch. Yet to confirm.

 

[350Z]

Nissan Terrano: Video Review

 

[350Z]

Nissan Terrano: Pictorial Review

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[350Z]

Nissan Terrano: Pictorial Review

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[350Z]

Nissan Terrano: Pictorial Review

© TheAutomotiveIndia.com. Any attempt to republish the text or pictures anyway without prior consent of our authorities is strictly forbidden.
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[350Z]

Re: First Drive: Nissan Terrano Test Drive Review

Note: Thread Now Live From T.I.P Zone.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[jeno_turbo]

Re: First Drive: Nissan Terrano Test Drive Review

WOW, so soon?? ! Congrats on your drive first. And the Nissan Terrano looks a lot better than the Duster IMHO. And more about the drive , and difference in the suspension setup difference between both the cars (dusty and terrano) would be of great help to many. (Like the rapid having a slightly stiffer suspension than the Vento).

And hope they will price this Car well. And i guess most will be ready to pay the little premium(LITTLE .. lol ) for its looks .

Jeno

 

[draneeshpm]

Re: First Drive: Nissan Terrano Test Drive Review

Hi Vibhor,
That's a very neat review.Beautiful snaps.Thanks for your effort.Did Nissan hint at any time frame they are looking to launch an Automatic?Terrano in red is Terrific!
Regards,
Aneesh.

 

[PetrolHeadPrash]

Re: First Drive: Nissan Terrano Test Drive Review

Nice Review,Stunning pics.But over dose of Beige and in indian environments tends to get a bit dirt prone,Look at the Duster pics
And Yes the Terrano looks Absolutely Gorgeous in Red