The Nissan Terrano I (WD21) is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Nissan from 1987 to 1995. While not initially sold in the United States under the Terrano name, it was marketed in other regions, notably Europe and Australia, often as a more affordable and rugged alternative to established SUVs. The Terrano I represented Nissan’s entry into the growing compact SUV segment, offering a blend of off-road capability, practicality, and a relatively accessible price point. It served as a key model for Nissan in expanding its global presence and establishing a foothold in the increasingly popular SUV market. The 2.4 i 4WD variant, producing 103 horsepower, was a common configuration, balancing performance with fuel efficiency for everyday use.
Nissan Terrano I (WD21): A Detailed Overview
The Terrano I (WD21) was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle capable of handling both on-road commuting and light off-road adventures. It was positioned as a robust and reliable SUV, emphasizing practicality and durability over luxury. The WD21 chassis was based on the Nissan Datsun Truck hardbody platform, providing a strong foundation for its intended purpose. The vehicle was available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, catering to different customer needs and preferences. The 2.4 i 4WD model, with its 2.4-liter inline-four engine, became a popular choice for those prioritizing a balance between power and economy.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Nissan Terrano I 2.4 i 4WD is a 2.4-liter (2388 cm3) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 103 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 186 Nm (137.19 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2400 rpm. The engine utilizes a single-point fuel injection system, a common technology for the era, and boasts a compression ratio of 8.3:1. Power per liter is rated at 43.1 hp/l. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to the vehicle’s balanced handling characteristics. The Terrano I achieves a maximum speed of 155 km/h (96.31 mph). Fuel economy figures are 16 l/100 km (14.7 US mpg, 17.7 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) in urban settings, 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) on the extra-urban cycle, and 12.5 l/100 km (18.8 US mpg, 22.6 UK mpg, 8 km/l) combined. The weight-to-power ratio is 15 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 8.3 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Nissan Terrano I is a classic example of late 1980s/early 1990s SUV design. It features a boxy, utilitarian aesthetic, prioritizing functionality over sleek styling. Available as a 3-door or 5-door model, the Terrano I offers seating for five passengers. The body-on-frame construction contributes to its ruggedness and off-road capability. Key features include a part-time four-wheel-drive system, allowing drivers to switch between 2WD and 4WD modes as needed. The interior is relatively basic, focusing on durability and practicality. Safety features for the time included ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels and disc brakes on the rear, along with an available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on some models. The vehicle’s trunk space ranges from a minimum of 425 liters (15.01 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1550 liters (54.74 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The Terrano I’s dimensions are: length 4365 mm (171.85 in.), width 1690 mm (66.54 in.), height 1680 mm (66.14 in.), and wheelbase 2650 mm (104.33 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Terrano |
| Generation | Terrano I (WD21) |
| Type | 2.4 i 4WD (103 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1987 |
| End of production | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3/5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16 l/100 km (14.7 US mpg, 17.7 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12.5 l/100 km (18.8 US mpg, 22.6 UK mpg, 8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 103 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 43.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 186 Nm @ 2400 rpm (137.19 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2388 cm3 (145.72 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Kerb Weight | 1540 kg (3395.12 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2250 kg (4960.4 lbs.) |
| Max load | 710 kg (1565.28 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (min) | 425 l (15.01 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (max) | 1550 l (54.74 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 4365 mm (171.85 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1680 mm (66.14 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm (104.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Rear track | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 215/65 R15 |
The Nissan Terrano I (WD21) 2.4 i 4WD represents a significant vehicle in Nissan’s history, demonstrating the company’s commitment to producing capable and affordable SUVs. While not a luxury vehicle, its robust construction, four-wheel-drive capability, and practical design made it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile vehicle for both work and leisure.
