The AWD system will be the same unit found on the recently launched Renault Duster and the Terrano will also come with a few new features inside the cabin.
After Renault updated the Duster with the much awaited All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, it was only awaited to make its presence on sibling Nissan Terrano anytime soon. Essentially a badge engineered Duster, the Terrano will get the AWD system by early 2015 and will be the same unit seen on the Duster. While both the models are same underneath, the Duster and Terrano are differentiated by the poles apart front fascia, while the interiors too have been worked upon differently.
The Nissan Terrano is currently offered only in two-wheel drive option with power being sent to the front wheels. The compact SUV uses the same 1.5-litre dCi diesel engine that produces 110 PS of power and 248 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. However the Terrano will also get an updated ECU with improved low-end power on offer, much like the Duster AWD. Coming the AWD system, the unit comes with 3 driving modes namely 2WD that sends power to only the front wheels, Auto that sends power to the rear wheels when the front wheels lose traction, while the Lock mode allows the SUV to remain in AWD mode till the speed of 60 km/hr.
In terms of mechanical changes, the Nissan Terrano AWD will get an independent rear suspension as well as a range of additional features including cruise control, electronic torque control, brake assist, ESP, ESR and understeer control. The AWD system will be added most likely to the top end XV D THP and XVD THP Premium trims of the Nissan Terrano. In addition, the company is also expected to update the cabin with several new features and upholstery.
The Terrano AWD variant is expected to be positioned above the Duster AWD in terms of pricing. Having completed its first year of sales this month in the country, Nissan India launched the Terrano Anniversary Edition with exterior upgrades and new features inside the cabin. While the additional equipment was exclusive to the anniversary edition, we do hope that the Terrano AWD comes with the Heads-up display unit as standard on the top-end variant. The Terrano AWD will compete against the Tata Safari Storme, Mahindra Scorpio and the Renault Duster AWD in the segment.
