The Nissan Terrano India 1.5 dCi (85 Hp) is a compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) produced specifically for the Indian market starting in August 2013. It represents a localized effort by Nissan to cater to the growing demand for affordable and practical SUVs in India. While sharing some underpinnings with the Renault Duster – a vehicle highly successful in India – the Terrano distinguished itself through unique styling and a focus on providing a more robust and feature-rich package. Positioned as a competitor to the Mahindra Scorpio and Ford EcoSport, the Terrano aimed to offer a blend of comfort, fuel efficiency, and capability for both urban and rural driving conditions. This model is not widely available outside of India and surrounding markets.
Nissan Terrano India: A Detailed Overview
The Terrano’s development was driven by Nissan’s desire to increase its market share in the rapidly expanding Indian automotive sector. Leveraging the existing platform of the Renault Duster allowed for cost-effective production and a quicker time to market. However, Nissan invested significantly in differentiating the Terrano through revised exterior styling, an upgraded interior, and a focus on enhancing the overall driving experience. The 1.5 dCi engine variant, producing 85 horsepower, was a key offering, balancing performance with fuel economy – a crucial factor for Indian consumers.
Engine & Performance
The Nissan Terrano India 1.5 dCi is powered by a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine, designated the K9K. This engine produces 85 horsepower at 3750 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1900 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. A diesel commonrail fuel injection system ensures precise fuel delivery, contributing to improved combustion and reduced emissions. The power-to-weight ratio is 58.2 horsepower per liter. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (48 US mpg or 57.6 UK mpg), making it a relatively economical option for its class. The engine’s torque characteristics provide adequate pulling power for everyday driving and occasional off-road excursions, though it is not designed for extreme off-roading.
Design & Features
The Nissan Terrano India features a traditional SUV body style with five doors and seating for five passengers. Its exterior design incorporates bolder styling cues compared to the Renault Duster, including a more prominent front grille, redesigned headlights, and a more sculpted body shape. The interior offers a functional and practical layout, with a focus on durability and ease of use. Key features include air conditioning, power steering (hydraulic), and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The vehicle’s ride height of 205 mm (8.07 inches) provides reasonable ground clearance for navigating uneven road surfaces, common in many parts of India. The Terrano’s interior space is optimized for passenger comfort and cargo capacity, making it suitable for family use. Safety features, while basic by modern standards, were considered adequate for the target market, with ABS being a notable inclusion. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4331 mm in length, 1822 mm in width, and 1671 mm in height – position it within the compact SUV segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Nissan |
| Model | Terrano |
| Generation | Terrano India |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 dCi (85 Hp) |
| Start of production | August, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Power | 85 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 58.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1900 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1900 rpm) |
| Engine Model/Code | K9K |
| Engine displacement | 1461 cm3 (89.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Max. weight | 1764 kg (3888.95 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4331 mm (170.51 in.) |
| Width | 1822 mm (71.73 in.) |
| Height | 1671 mm (65.79 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2673 mm (105.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1560 mm (61.42 in.) |
| Rear track | 1567 mm (61.69 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 205 mm (8.07 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive, Internal Combustion engine |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Nissan Terrano India 1.5 dCi (85 Hp) represented a significant step for Nissan in the Indian market, demonstrating its commitment to providing locally relevant and affordable vehicles. While production has since ceased, the Terrano remains a recognizable and relatively popular vehicle in India, appreciated for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and robust build quality.
