2017 NISSAN TERRANO
Nissan bolsters the Terrano’s features list
RRENAULT’S DUSTER started a new segment of SUVs with its launch and it turned out to be a huge success, huge enough to in fact get badge engineered as a Nissan Terrano. While the former received excellent success, the Terrano always stayed in its shadows. When the more modern Hyundai Creta took the market by storm, it became the distant third choice for SUV buyers. Renault updated the Duster last year and also included an AMT gearbox. This update was passed on to the Terrano too, but Nissan has realised that the SUV needs a bit more to woo buyers.
Enter this car, with 22 new features over the earlier Terrano. The ones you need to take notice of are: dual tone interiors with twincolour leather upholstery, a 7-inch infotainment screen that’s a straight borrow from the Duster, and also cruise control. The Terrano also gets a driver’s seat armrest now. Another feature taken from the Duster
The Terrano has always been one of the nicer SUVs to drive, and it feels more plush now
is the quirky audio stalk housed behind the steering wheel to control the infotainment system. What’s missing is a rear parking camera.
The Terrano has always been one of the nicer SUVs to drive, considering it shares its mechanicals with the Renault Duster. The 1.5-litre diesel engine is a strong performer. At 109bhp and 245Nm, it may not boast of the high power figures of a Creta, but the engine has a strong mid-range and performance is robust between 2000-4000rpm. It sounds gruff as you rev it hard but it pulls well to let you stay in gear through long sweeping corners. The six-speed manual gearbox has short throws and the gearing is just right for a mix of city and highway driving. The clutch however remains heavy. Once on the highway though when you are cruising in top gear, the Terrano is at its best. The Terrano loves a cruise at high speeds and will cross long distance roadtrips with the kind of ease that immediately makes it likeable.
The hydraulic steering gives good feedback and makes the drive more involving. The USP however remains the ride quality. There is no SUV that’s manufactured in India that strikes such a good balance of comfortable ride and cornering stability. It rolls a bit in corners but it is predictable and you can push it as hard as a hatchback. And when the road gets a bit patchy, the Terrano is at its best. More expensive SUVs with sophisticated suspensions can’t match the Terrano (or the Duster), and that’s why these are the pick of the segment for roadtrips. ⌧
(@patracaar)