Nissan Terra unveiled before possible Australian launch

Nissan has unveiled the next step in its worldwide SUV range, with the Nissan Terra to be launched in South East Asian markets in the second half of 2018. Initially revealed in China, Nissan has confirmed that the Terra will be available in right-hand drive form – opening the door for Nissan Australia.

Based on the same ladder-frame chassis of the Navara ute, the Nissan Terra is available with one engine option for now: a 140kW/450Nm 2.5-litre turbo diesel, matched to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. If confirmed for Australia, the Terra will likely go on sale in Australia sometime in 2019.

“The new Nissan Terra is built on our more than 60 years of SUV heritage, which includes iconic models such as the Nissan Patrol,” said Ashwani Gupta, senior vice president for Nissan’s Light Commercial Vehicle business.

“The Nissan Terra design is both tough and practical, reliable for everyday use while also giving our customers the ability to unhook from daily life and undertake adventure.”

Competing with cars such as the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Isuzu MU-X , the Terra is a ladder-frame based, off-road focused seven-seat SUV. Specifications for just the Philippines have been announced so far, where the car is available in five different specifications – only one is 4×4, the rest 4×2. The Terra is 4,885mm long, 1,865mm wide and 1,835mm high. A high 225mm of ground clearance compliments an approach angle of 32.3 degrees and a departure angle of 26.6.

The Nissan Terra’s available equipment is lengthy, with six airbags, LED headlights, a 360-degree parking camera, Nissan’s monitor rear camera, leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and inbuilt navigation, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear traffic alert though autonomous emergency braking – a feature required for a five-star ANCAP rating from this year – is not available, at least in South East Asian markets.

The Nissan Terra’s off-road focus is obvious – it’s equipped with the same off-road modes as the Navara, as well as hill descent control, low range gear ratios and a locking rear differential. For those not wanting off-road ability, a 4×2 drivetrain is also available. Like rivals, the Nissan Terra is a seven-seat SUV though Nissan is claiming best in segment room. The middle row split folds 60/40, whilst the third row folds into the floor for a completely flat load bay with seats folded.

Nissan Australia is understood to be keen on the Terra, if it can get AEB as part of the package. AEB is available on European-sourced versions of the Navara, meaning that it shouldn’t be too difficult to fit to the Terra. We predict that Nissan Australia will be able to fit AEB to the Terra, and it will go on sale here within the next year to pick up where the last generation of Pathfinder left off.

The Nissan Terra goes on sale in South East Asian markets in the second half of 2018. If Australian sales eventuate, expect the car on sale within the next year.

Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for Nissan news and reviews. You can read and watch our review of the Series III Navara here.