Nissan Philippines refreshes its best-selling midsize SUV
By Kap Maceda Aguila
SINCE ITS introduction in 2018, the Terra has, by all accounts, been an answered prayer for Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI). Competing against more established nameplates in the midsize SUV category, the Terra has decisively cracked the top three ranking in the segment.
Now, NPI is doubling down with the launch of an upgraded version. “The new Nissan Terra is a smart and reliable family SUV that gives you and your loved ones confidence, comfort, control, safety, and peace of mind. We took the well-known all-terrain toughness and capabilities from Nissan’s 70 years of SUV heritage, and added the latest technologies, to turn the new Terra into the perfect partner for sharing experiences with your family and loved ones,” said Nissan Philippines President and Managing Director Atsushi Najima in a release.
Replying to a question from “Velocity” during the media launch, done online, Mr. Najima said that the Terra has been ranking either second or third in sales — trading places with the Mitsubishi Montero Sport — as the Toyota Fortuner continues to lead the segment. The Terra’s sales performance translates to 22% to 23% of total category units sold.
While the smart money should be on that share growing with the refreshed version, Mr. Najima is reticent about making projections, describing the market as too “volatile” for predictions. NPI would rather communicate the good things about the Terra, rather than put pen to paper and make forecasts.
On the new Terra’s front end is a V-motion grille with a redesigned front bumper. Its headlamps are outlined by C-shaped LED daytime running lamps. Within the assembly are quad LED projector headlamps, said to be a first in the segment, and with an auto-leveling function. New taillamps mark the changes in the back, as does a restyled rear fascia which “emphasizes the vehicle’s strength and width.” The rear bumper has been recast, and the Terra now boasts an updated spoiler design and sharkfin antenna. New 18-inch wheels are in a two-tone alloy design. The SUV gets a quick steering gear ratio for improved maneuverability, four-wheel disc brakes, and a rear differential lock on the VL 4×4 variant.
Inside, there are plenty of obvious changes as well. The dashboard has been restyled for “a more modern and upscale look,” and the cabin receives a two-tone look. A flat-bottomed steering wheel gives a sportier feel, while a new center console design integrates a wireless charging feature and e-parking brake control.
An intelligent key with push button engine start/stop system and steering wheel controls are standard across all variants, as is a new high-contrast seven-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display. Other toys include a Bose premium sound system with eight speakers (for the VL 4×4) and 11-inch flip-down rear monitor (for VL trims).
Equipped on all variants are vehicle dynamic control and hill start assist, plus Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) with a varying number of features depending on the trim. Speaking of which, new technologies have been added to the suite (i.e., Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Rear Cross Traffic Alert), in addition to the features found in the outgoing model.
“The suite of these NIM features combine into the 360 Safety Shield, a 360-degree safety system which helps protect both the driver and passengers from potential risks approaching the vehicle,” reports Nissan.
VL models get the nine-inch Nissan Advanced Touchscreen Display Audio with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with navigation; the other two variants receive an eight-inch screen but the same Apple/Android compatibility.
The new Nissan Terra is available in six exterior colors: Nebula Metallic Red, Forged Metallic Copper, Aspen Pearl White, Lunar Metallic Gray, Brilliant Silver, and Galaxy Black. Inside, the Terra receives a two-tone, black/burgundy interior leather trim for the VLs; and black interior for the VE and EL variants.
For more information, visit www.nissan.ph or follow the Nissan Philippines social media accounts.
