Nissan is seeking to strengthen its position in the automotive rankings with the rollout of three potentially segment-leading vehicles. The new Terra 7-seat SUV, Almera subcompact sedan, and the Leaf all-electric hatchback.
The 2022 Terra 7-seat diesel-powered SUV is already rolling out of Nissan’s showrooms. The Terra recently got a design refresh, a smart-looking interior, and even more comfort and convenience features.
The new Terra sports a new fascia with Nissan’s “V-motion” grille. The big and wide chrome grille is flanked with quad-projector LED headlamps. The self-leveling headlamps incorporate LED daytime running lights. The taillights likewise use LED units, with light-guide strips. There’s a new chrome bar between the lamps, and a new bumper design.
The Terra’s interior has been redesigned and refitted with more premium materials for an upscale feel. The instrument panel is now sleekly padded, with the cabin’s leather trim done in a rich Burgundy Red. The 9-inch touchscreen panel integrates smoothly, and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. There’s now a wireless charging pad for charging cellphones and gadgets. Dual-zone automatic climate control allows driver and front passenger to independently set temperature preferences.
Zero gravity seats Analog gauges
11-inch monitor for rear passengers 2.5 liter engine
For driver comfort, there’s Nissan’s trademark “zero-gravity” seats, designed to reduce fatigue. The seats are shaped like they would support an astronaut’s position when floating in space. Other touches include a sporty flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and phone controls, and cruise control switches in the higher variants. The gauges are big and clear and analog units, augmented by a 7-inch LCD display for trip information and driver assist functions. Rear passengers can enjoy watching on an 11-inch monitor that folds down from the ceiling. There’s even an option for a Bose premium speaker system. There’s easy access to the third row of seats via a push-button second row that can fold and tumble.
The Terra is powered by Nissan’s 2.5-liter diesel. The 16-valve power unit with turbocharging is capable of 190ps and 450Nm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual in the entry-level model, with the other variants getting a 7-speed automatic.
Terra is assisted by Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility safety suite. This allows the driver a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, especially useful when manuevering into tight spaces and parking. Intelligent rear-view monitor can be swtiched to show the view from the rear-mounted camera. There’s also forward collision warning, lane departure warning, driver alertness warning, and blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert.
Nissan Almera
Nissan will soon be introducing the all-new Almera. Nissan’s best-selling sedan will be featuring a sleeker, sportier look, adding some style to its practicality. We are expecting the Almera to pack a 1.0-liter turbocharged inline 3-cylinder engine, mated to a CVT, as in other ASEAN markets. The Almera will also get improved safety with available forward collision warning and forward emergency braking.
If you want a taste of the future today, there is the all-electric Nissan Leaf. The Leaf is one of the world’s first mainstream electric vehicles. Since the Leaf was launched just over 10 years ago, Nissan has sold more than 500,000 Leafs.
The Nissan Leaf features a sleek, furutistic shell enveloping an interior roomy enough for five passengers. The instrument panel has a “floating screen” infotainment panel mounted in the center, subtle blue accents matching those on the exterior, and a gauge cluster that incorporates both analog and digital displays.
Key to the Leaf’s driving experience is its electric motor. There’s 150ps and, more importantly, 320Nm of torque, instantly available when the driver requires. On a full charge, the Leaf can travel 311km. The Leaf can recharge from a home 220 volt outlet, going from low battery to full charge in about 18.5 hours. There’s also an available dedicated wall box charger, using which the Leaf can go to full charge in 7.5 hours.
Nissan’s new battery pack holds more energy in a smaller volume and is covered by an 8-year, 160,000km warranty. With less need for maintenance and no fuel bills ever, the Leaf can help recoup some of its purchase cost due to these savings.
The Leaf is also an enjoyable drive, its lower center of gravity contributing to a responsive handling feel. A delightful surprise is its e-pedal accelerator. This allows the driver to operate the car with just pressing on the accelerator to go faster, and easing off the pedal to slow down. This lessens the need for to repeatedly shift from accelerator to brake pedal. The Leaf is an innovative solution for zero vehicle emissions motoring, available now, and with the confidence of full factory support from a Japanese carmaker.
Photos by Ardie Lopez
