DOWN THE ROAD

Nissan Terra

It has been a busy time for Nissan. Besides the Magnite and updated Navara, the Japanese brand has also revealed its revamped Terra SUV in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Based on the ladder-frame Navara bakkie, the new Terra is earmarked for sub-saharan Africa and South Africa to compete against the recently upgraded Toyota Fortuner, the Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and the new Isuzu mu-x.

Solidifying its already strong presence in the SUV market, the Terra (called X-terra in the Middle East) with a length of 4.9 m, height of 1.9 m, width of just over 2.1 m, and ground clearance of 243 mm, will succeed the Nissan Pathfinder, discontinued in 2013, in South Africa.

With a V-motion grille, the Terra looks right at home next to its bigger sibling, the Patrol, and its Navara bakkie counterpart, while also borrowing design elements from the United States-only Titan. At the rear, its width is highlighted by the strong horizontal lines of the rear lights and a chrome centre finisher.

Lower grade models will be equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher spec models shod with 18-inch alloys. Chrome side steps and chrome auto folding mirrors complement the overall look, alongside the fender vent and smart roof rail. The black- and lightgrey interior offers a choice of cloth or leather seat fabrics, and a big nine-inch touchscreen dominates the centre of the instrument panel, with big dial-controls for audio and ventilation functions.

Middle East models are powered by the 2.5-litre fourcylinder petrol engine also used in the X-trail, delivering 124 kw of power and 241 Nm of torque, coupled with a seven-speed auto transmission and 4×4 system. However, local models will most likely be available with the 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine used in the Navara. The Terra will be launched locally late in 2021, and with Navara already produced in Mzansi, the big question is: will the Terra also be built here?