Nissan Terrano India launch and Fortuner rival pricing discussed

Nissan has showcased the new Terrano PHEV concept and test mules have been spotted during road tests following development through a joint venture with Dongfeng. If brought to India, this SUV will enter the premium ladder frame segment currently dominated by the Toyota Fortuner, with expected ex showroom pricing of around Rs 40 lakh.

Design features on the test mule and concept

The test mule retains most exterior features of the Terrano PHEV concept but misses hardcore off road equipment like bonnet mounted fog lamps, roof mounted lights, full length platform rack and knobby off road tyres. A relatively sober design for the alloy wheels has been used compared to the rugged alloy wheels on the concept version.

• Front section features a narrow closed off grille with a large bumper and robust skid plate
• Boxy and planted appearance with a flat beltline, roofline, flat windshield and tailgate
• Dual tone tan and grey interior theme with leatherette treatment on seats, doors and dashboard
• Flat centre console housing an electronic gear selector and terrain select dial

Platform and powertrain details

The chassis, core mechanical systems, safety equipment and off road gear have been developed by Nissan, while the design was created by the Nissan design centre in China with guidance from the head office in Japan. Dongfeng contributed the hybrid powertrain and other technology systems, and the engine for the pure petrol version was developed by Mitsubishi. The ladder frame construction is derived from the platform used with Nissan Frontier Pro and Dongfeng Z9 pickups.

Nissan Terrano India timeline and manufacturing

Nissan is evaluating products from its joint venture with Dongfeng for the Indian market, and the production version of the Terrano PHEV concept is a leading candidate. Local manufacturing will be important for competitive pricing, and Nissan retains 2.5 lakh units of annual production capacity reservation at the Chennai manufacturing facility. The first Dongfeng derived Nissan product could arrive in India within the next two years if the programme progresses.

Are you willing to wait two years for a Dongfeng derived Nissan SUV at this price point?