Nissan has unveiled the 4th generation Terrano in India, at a sub-Rs 10 lakh price point and high level of local content
A look at the Terrano compact SUV, and it looks masculine. Putting up a strong presence, the front highlights Nissan’s ‘V-motion’ design signature through an angled strut grille finished in chrome and twin beam headlights that are sleek and sharp. If the angled grille and sharp looking head lights, along with a bumper with purposeful, and sharp creases make a front that conveys aggression in no uncertain terms. The sides are made up of bulging wheel arches, and smart looking 16-inch alloys. Good ground clearance adding to the masculine appearance of the compact SUV, the rear includes wide-spaced lamps with horizontal white graphic detailing.
Inside, the Terrano is well put together. The fit and finish standards are good. The plastics may not be soft to touch, or as classy, they comprise a two-tone dashboard with chrome surrounds for AC vents, and silver finished accents. Capable of seating five across two rows of seats, close attention to detail reveals that the Terrano is actually a Nissan-ised version of Renault Duster. The same is the case when close attention is paid to the exterior appearance of this SUV. Like the Nissan Sunny and Renault Scala, or Nissan Micra and Renault Pulse, Renault-Nissan Alliance has once again, through the Terrano, highlighted their strategy to cross-badge products.
Unveiled within a short period of the world premiere of Datsun GO at New Delhi, the Terrano is a 4th generation model. The first Terrano was launched in 1986 and has grown to be a global brand. If this Terrano will make it to other markets in the world is not clear yet. A query in this regard to Chikuya Takada, Head – Product Planning, Nissan Motor India, drew an answer that it has not been decided yet. Mr Takada instead chose to stress on the fact that India is a very important market for his company.
Last product to be cross badged according to sources close to the company, Terrano surprisingly looks more premium than the Duster. It may have to do with the familiarity of Duster, and its presence in the Indian market for some time now. Fact is, Terrano stands to profit from the Duster’s familiarity and reputation as a desirable and dependable compact SUV.
With pre-bookings of the Terrano scheduled to commence from 1st September 2013 at select dealerships throughout India, the macho appearance of Terrano is certain to draw buyers. Whether this will lead to sales cannibalisation from the Duster and Terrano will be clear only after a few months of Terrano having gone on sale.
Until then, it is necessary to understand the claim by industry sources that the sales of Duster have come down to a little over 3000 units a month from 6000 units just after the compact SUV was launched. While company sources declined to affirm if the production of Terrano has started at the Alliance’ plant outside Chennai, the Duster and Terrano are expected to share the same line. The line that is said to be engineered for flexible production, and currently builds the Duster, Sunny, Scala and the export-oriented Almira.
“Terrano marks our entry into the compact SUV segment, which is one of the fastest growing segments in the Indian market today,” said Mr Kenichiro Yomura, President, Nissan India Operations, speaking at the unveiling of Terrano in Mumbai. “Terrano follows the same design language as the Pathfinder and Patrol,” he added. Stressing that the SUV segment in India will grow over 30% by 2016, Mr Yomura averred that the Terrano is a fine example of styling and functionality.
Like the Duster, the Terrano is also based on the Logan platform. Duster prices start below Rs 10 lakh. Terrano prices, when it goes on sale, will also start at sub-Rs 10 lakh. If the similarity of pricing makes an interesting example, the Duster and Terrano also highlight how automakers are saving costs by sharing platforms as well as resources. In some markets of the world, Duster is available in four-wheel drive versions. If the same version would add to the Duster range in India is not clear.
A query if the Terrano will be available with four-wheel drive saw Mr Takada stating that four-wheel drive version of Terrano could be a future step for the company. Much about the Terrano is yet to be known. While it is safe to assume that this compact SUV will have much in common with the Duster, including the mechanicals, more information about the Terrano will be made available at the formal launch, which is slated for early next month (October 2013).
Planning to launch 10 models by FY2016, Nissan in association with its sales and marketing partner, Hover Automotive (Nissan India NSC), is working towards expanding the dealer network to 360 numbers from the current count of 100 numbers.
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