Nissan unveiled the Terrano earlier today, putting up a show at the event by calling the vehicle a blockbuster, even before its launch. Nissan’s confidence is worth applauding as the company feels it can pocket an additional Rs. 50,000/- over the Renault Duster. This would have seemed plausible had the Renault Duster not been overpriced but since it is and the Ford EcoSport is a good Rs. 2 lakh cheaper, the Nissan Terrano is simply a highly overpriced compact SUV which Nissan would like to call premium and stylish. Let’s quickly look at what’s new in a pictorial review of the Nissan Terrano.
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Nissan SUV elements at the front give the Terrano a very bold appearance. The large grille with those chrome bars immediately remind you of other Nissan SUVs like the X-Trail and Pathfinder.
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The side profile will make people mistake the Terrano for a Duster, even though it sports different design on the wheels and the pillars are blackened out.
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Those alloy wheels do look better than the Duster’s but the wheel arches are so massive that 16-inchers also don’t do justice.
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Twin piece tail light seems very inspired from the Force One. The upcoming Duster facelift is expected to get a similar twin piece tail light unit.
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The rear windshield and high mounted stop lamp are the only parts which seem to be carried over from the Duster. The new tail gate has a different design and makes the rear appealing, unlike the Duster’s derriere which looks bland.
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The interior has been given slight updates too and they do look upmarket, unlike the plain-jane dashboard of the Duster. Notice the new centre AC vents and the piano black finish on the centre console, inspired from the Micra.
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The Terrano’s instrument cluster is the same as the Duster, a change here would have been nice.
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New 3-spoke steering wheel is hopefully not as heavy as it looks. Closely notice, it’s actually the Duster’s steering underneath with some make up on the top, namely the silver inserts.
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In the Duster, this storage bin is open but Nissan has put a cover on to it, a neat touch.
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New audio system looks easy to use and weirdly there are two AUX ports. AC switches from the Duster are hard to operate at times.
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Ergonomic flaws continue to soldier on in the Terrano. Controls to operate the rear view mirror are placed below the handbrake, really?
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The space inside the Terrano is identical to the Duster, which means the cabin is spacious and can seat five in comfort.
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The 475-litre boot can carry quite a bit of luggage. Very practical for those weekend trips.
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The Renault Duster costs between Rs. 2 – 2.5 lakhs more than the Ford EcoSport. The price difference between the top-end Duster (110 PS) and top-end EcoSport stretches up to Rs. 3.50 lakhs. With Nissan charging a premium of Rs. 50,000/- over the Duster, the price difference between the top-end EcoSport and top-end Duster will be a whooping Rs. 4 lakhs. You still won’t get button start, SYNC, leather seats, side airbags and climate control after paying the additional amount for the Terrano. No doubt the Terrano will offer more cabin space, a bigger boot and a better ride quality but is that enough to justify such a massive premium? We fear not.
