Nissan India announced the launch of Terrano, its premium compact Sports Utility Vehicle, yesterday. Over the last few months, Nissan kept the media busy by first revealing the name of the model along with an official sketch followed by an unveiling before opening the pre-launch bookings last month. Despite the Terrano being a rebadged and redesigned Renault Duster, Nissan also took time to test the Terrano on public roads, with the test vehicle even featuring on our blog once. All those efforts have paid off, with Nissan already sitting on an order book of 6000 units for the Terrano. The fact that so many Indians were ready to put their money on the Terrano even before it's prices were announced just goes to show the craze that our country has for utility vehicles.
In line with the pricing policy followed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance in which the donor model is cheaper, the Terrano is priced higher than its sibling, the popular Renault Duster. In keeping with the market demand, the Terrano is launched in one petrol and six diesel variants. While the petrol variant is powered by a 1.6-liter engine with 104 PS of maximum power, the diesel variants have the same 1.5-liter dCi engine in two states of tune with power outputs of 85 PS and 110 PS.
In line with the pricing policy followed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance in which the donor model is cheaper, the Terrano is priced higher than its sibling, the popular Renault Duster. In keeping with the market demand, the Terrano is launched in one petrol and six diesel variants. While the petrol variant is powered by a 1.6-liter engine with 104 PS of maximum power, the diesel variants have the same 1.5-liter dCi engine in two states of tune with power outputs of 85 PS and 110 PS.
The petrol variant retails for INR 9.79 Lakhs. The 85 PS diesel variants are priced between INR 9.59 and 10.94 Lakhs, while the 110 PS diesel variants retail between INR 11.33 and 12.46 Lakhs. All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi.
The best thing about the Terrano is that Nissan has went that extra mile to ensure that its compact SUV is quite different from the Duster. Up front, Nissan has neatly integrated its family look that we have seen and liked in models like the Pathfinder and Patrol. The four-pod headlights along with the three-part radiator grille with twin chrome bars look impressive. Nothing much changes in the profile with the massive wheel arches lending the Terrano a butch stance. In the rear, new taillight lenses complete the makeover. The changes continue inside too, with a redesigned center console and air-conditioner vents lending the cabin a fresh and upmarket look.
Right from the Micra, Nissan has left us impressed with its no-compromise approach on safety and the Terrano is no different. The Driver Airbag is standard across the range, while the higher variants offer Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The top-of-the-line XV Premium variant comes with Bluetooth-enabled audio system, rear air-conditioning vents, leather upholstery, wood finish in door trims, reverse parking sensors and 16-inch machined alloy wheels. While all this is good, the Ford Ecosport trumps the Terrano in terms of features on offer. That's probably why things like touchscreen entertainment system with navigation, steering-mounted audio control module and rear parking sensors with display in rear view mirror are available as part of a big list of official accessories right from launch.
The debut of Nissan Terrano makes it two rebadged models launched in the Indian market in two days. Overall, this is the fourth rebadged model from the two joint ventures between Renault, Nissan and Ashok Leyland. With the Ford Ecosport giving the Renault Duster a run for its money, the Nissan Terrano, with its premium positioning, has its work cut out. Looking at the initial response though, Nissan seems to have done well in the litmus test.
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