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The Duster platform is one of the best out there offering rich dynamics
However, both the cars share the same tried and tested platform which is dynamically quite strong and here is where the Terrano shines. The ride and handling balance is perfect for a compact SUV. There is minimal body roll and the suspension can absorb huge craters without affecting the passengers much. The ride becomes flat at high speeds and doesn’t feel stiff at all while driving on a bad patch of road at low speeds. The handling is fantastic, offering communicative steering feedback. You can really push the Terrano hard around bends and the car maintains its line with full control. The wide section OEM tyres are also quite grippy adding to the confidence of pushing the car to the limits.
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The Terrano performs quite well in rough terrains too
The 1.5-litre diesel engine in the 85 PS tune is another gem. The feel of the engine thanks to the butter smooth NVH is quite satisfying. Also, personally I feel the 85 PS tune is better than the 110 PS version because of a better lag-free low end performance and tractable torque curve for city usage. The engine responds quite well to the throttle inputs and the in-gear acceleration further helps in better drivability in bumper to bumper traffic cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
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High speed stability is very confidence inspiring
The 85 PS tune engine is a versatile performer & offers best of both worlds
The 85 PS Terrano isn’t that bad a performer when it comes to highway duties. The oil burner doesn’t feel underpowered at all and it can maintain triple digit speeds with ease and never does it feel stressed at high speeds. Also, the 5-speed manual transmission offers relatively better throws along with a lighter clutch. The 6-speed gearbox has some resistance in the 110 PS version and even the clutch feels quite heavy which makes it cumbersome to drive in the city.
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It has been our rugged workhorse for shoot days
Driving with a light foot in the city can get you close to 16 km/l of fuel efficiency while out on the highway you can stretch the numbers to 18 km/l. So the overall impressions are quite satisfying in the driving department of the Terrano. If you are not that inclined towards features, ergonomics and interior quality and you want your daily driver to be rugged and mechanically strong, then the Terrano makes quite a lot of sense. But it’s time for the Japanese automaker to get it right in all the aspects with a significant update.
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The ground clearance and tight turning radius is a boon
What’s Cool
* Looks better than the Duster with more polished exteriors
* Fantastic suspension offering great comfort and fatigue-free drive
* Potent engine for easy city drivability
What’s Not So Cool
* The quality doesn’t feel long lasting
* Misses out on essential features you need in this segment
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We hope Nissan gets a vastly improved update for the Terrano soon
Further Reading –
Nissan Terrano 85 PS Long Term Review
Nissan Terrano 110 PS Long Term Review
