Nissan Terrano 110PS Long Term Review: 2,500km

There are more pleasant experiences than negative ones that I can recall about the Nissan Terrano, having driven the crossover for over 2,500km in the last two months. Now when I look back, I think it was a blessing in disguise that the Terrano had already crossed 15,000km on its odometer, when we took over. Since, it wasn’t a spanking new car with everything in top shape; it was easier to point out its weak spots.

To start with, the monocoque has started to squeak and the rear seats creak, when driven on bad and broken patches of road, hinting at the abuse it might have incurred in the last year or so. To top it, the tyres also aren’t in the best shape. The clutch also feels heavy and on long drives can be a bit of a pain. The other big concern I have about the Nissan Terrano is the strong torque-steer, which you feel when negotiating corners in full steam.

This brings us to the best aspect about the Nissan Terrano. Even after being driven around for over 2500 km, the way it remains planted and flat around turns is unlike any compact-SUV available in India, especially under the Rs 20 lakh price bracket. It’s a hoot to drive on winding mountain roads, in the city, on the highway and even on dirt roads. Something, not many affordable SUVs can boast of.

Being the more powerful 110PS version, our Nissan Terrano comes equipped with six gears, which also help in squeezing out better fuel efficiency. In the city, it’s happy to return 14.5kmpl and stretch a litre of fuel for a couple of more kilometres on the highway.

Most of my friends feel that it even looks more premium on the outside than the Renault Duster thanks to its chunky chrome grille and alloy wheels design, and on the inside, due to the piano-black highlight on the dashboard. And I have made full use of the music system’s Bluetooth phone connectivity, since I am on the road most of the time. Wonder why the Nissan Terrano’s  XV variant doesn’t come with steering mounted audio and phone controls.

Thankfully it has a height adjustable driver’s seat, which is comfortable and offers great outside visibility. Also useful are the parking sensor, which help you park in the tightest available spots.

The Nissan Terrano is a spacious, comfortable and efficient compact-SUV which has great driving dynamics no matter what the road surface is like. It’s going to be tough to say goodbye to this one.

Date Acquired: January 2015

Total km till date: 18,225km

On-test km: 2,501km

Fuel consumed:  161 litres

Efficiency: 15.5kmpl (Average)

Cost incurred: Rs 300 (Puncture repair)

Cheers: Ride Quality, Spacious Cabin

Sneers: Torque-steer, Horn