After months of online and offline noise across all media channels, Nissan Philippines Inc, the sole distributor of Nissan cars in the country, has finally unveiled its first SUV in the mid-size segment, the Nissan Terra.
We were fortunate to get invited to their 3-day Regional Media Drive at Clark in Pampanga, together with other international media delegates across the world.
After our drive with the Terra, we realized that its better to share our insights about its performance and durability on the road. So here’s why we think you’ll need to consider buying the new Nissan Terra.
1.) NOT YOUR TYPICAL MID-SUV DESIGN. Time and time again, we’ve seen SUVs clashing on streets; some are pointing towards crossover directions and some on the bulkier and heavy mid-size segment. Of all those options, we realized that most of car makers are dealing directly with state-of-the-art design to make their car obviously a notch higher above. For Nissan, it’s different ball game. The Japanese car brand creates a design, both beneficial for on-and-off-road users.
And were quite impressed with Terra’s commanding stance. It has V-motion grille that provides a streamlined look from the front, and the “boomerang” LED headlamps combines a sharp and commanding appearance. Not only that, the sleek roofline flows from the fender to the rear, where taillight adds to its dynamic look. Heck, the 18-inch alloy wheels is a dress to impress appeal on the road!
2.) NO BOUNDARIES. On a full-speed stretch, we were able to see how the Terra displays all its full potential. The 2.5-liter YD25 diesel engine (which is similar to its pickup sibling the Navara) offers superb acceleration and performance. Power has never been lacking-whether your on highway or rough tough terrain. Thanks to its 190 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque!
3.) SMOOTH SUSPENSION and 4WD-DIFF lock system. Honestly, I drove all mid-size SUVs in the marketplace. I enjoy it, really! We drove the Terra from highways going to Segovia river, where we cross countless of huge rocks and rivers. One word: it survived! The Terra’s reinforced chassis, 5-link coil spring rear suspension system, and rigid rear wheel axle works together to ensure strength, durability, comfort and convenience. What’s makes the Terra unique among the rest of its competitors is that the vehicle is the only mid-size SUV in its class, which is equipped with differential lock system (coupled with Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist). What’s the use of that? Well, for off-road purists differential lock is essentially use on 4WD vehicles, where both wheels on the axle works together to control off-road conditions. How cool is that?!!!
4.) GOOD FOR THE FAMILY. Size-wise, the Terra can accommodate seven passengers. Although, on the third row seat, if your passenger is more than 6-feet tall, legroom somehow will be a bit of problem. The most typical problem of all SUVs in the marketplace is when you get inside the third row seats. Well, Nissan came out with a good solution allowing passengers to have convenient entry. With just one-touch of the driver at the center console remote, the second seats automatically fold and tumble.
5.) NISSAN’S INTELLIGENT MOBILITY TECHNOLOGIES. More than the beauty and power of SUVs, most of us wanted to experience safe driving. Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility is one of the holy grail of the company that is designed to bring safety and convenience to both driver and passengers. Like any soldier that goes to war, it’s fully loaded with ammo! It has Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Intelligent Around View Mirror with Moving Object Direction. For those who are afraid of reverse parking, Nissan came out with Smart Rear View Mirror that allows drivers to see images from a camera mounted at the back.
At price of 1.499 million, you can purchase a 4×2 6MT Nissan Terra, while the top-of-the-line-variant at 2.096 million.