Nissan Philippines is rolling out a timely update to its best-selling Terra 7-seat diesel SUV. The Terra gets refreshed looks, a more upscale interior, and even more comfort and convenience features.
The new Terra features a new fascia with Nissan’s trademark “V-motion” grille. This time, the big and wide chrome maw is flanked by headlamps embedded with multiple LED fixtures. The quad-projector lighting units are self-leveling and will incorporate LED daytime running lights. Fog lamps are expected to use LEDs as well. At the rear are LED taillights with light-guide strips, a prominent chrome bar connecting the lamp units, and a revised bumper.
Inside, the Terra looks much more premium, with a sleekly padded instrument panel. The leather trim is done in a rich burgundy red hue. A 9-inch touchscreen panel is smoothly integrated into the panel. The infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Mobile phones and gadgets can be easily charged using the wireless charging pad. Dual-zone automatic climate control allows for independent temperature adjustment for driver and front passenger.
The driver will enjoy Nissan’s trademark fatigue-reducing “zero-gravity” seats, which are shaped like they would support an astronaut’s position when floating in space. The driver gets a sporty flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls, and in the higher variants, cruise control switches. Thankfully, the gauges are big and clear analog units, with 7-inch LCD display embedded between them for trip information and driver assist functions. Rear passengers can enjoy watching on an 11-inch rear monitor that folds down from the ceiling. Bose premium speaker system is available.
The higher-variant Terras will feature power-adjustable driver’s seat. The second-row seat can fold and tumble with the push of a button, while the third row seat can be manually folded and reclined, in a 50-50 split, in case more cargo space is needed.
Measuring 4.9 m wide x 1.865 m wide, the Nissan Terra is made easier to maneuver thanks to independent double wishbone suspension up front and multi-link rear suspension with coil springs. The higher-grade Terra gets four wheel disc brakes, while the entry-level variant gets a front disc/rear brake set up. New design 18-inch alloy wheels are standard. The steering effort has been made lighter for easier driving around town, and the steering ratio has been made quicker for more responsive handling.
Powering the Terra is Nissan’s 2.5-liter diesel engine. With 16 valves actuated by dual overhead cams, the power unit uses variable turbocharging to deliver 187 hp and 450 Nm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual in the entry-level model, with the other variants getting a 7-speed automatic.
Although most Terras will no doubt be going around the concrete jungle more than roughing it on barren terrain, the 4×4 variants are ready with shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system with low gear ratio. The Terra has a reassuring 800-mm water wading capability.
Nissan is justifiably proud of its Intelligent Mobility safety suite. On the Terra, it provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, useful when manuevering into tight spaces. The intelligent rear-view monitor can be switched to show the view from the rear-mounted camera, useful when the second and third row are full of visibility-blocking heads or cargo. Nissan’s system also includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, driver alterness warning, and blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert. Tire pressure monitoring system is standard. The Terra features hill descent control and hill start assist. Six airbags including side curtain airbags are standard equipment on the new Terra.
The Nissan Terra is covered by a category-best 5-year/150,000km warranty (body and paint not included in 4th and 5th year coverage). With the new looks, upscale interior, and improvements to the car’s driving, the new Terra is more attractive than ever.
Nissan’s rivals will not be standing idle. Isuzu is set to roll out its all-new mu-X soon. The new mu-X will reportedly feature a larger cabin space, more comfortable seats and an improved ride versus the outgoing model. Isuzu will be building the mu-X on a lighter body by using high-tensile steel plates, by relocating the chassis cross-members, and by using a plastic liftgate. The new mu-X is expected to have a more comfortable ride and more stable handling. 20-inch wheels may be available for the first time on the mu-X. Power will be from a 1.9-liter turbodiesel with 150 hp and 350 Nm, or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel with 189ps and 450 Nm.
