Nissan Terrano: next-gen compact SUV spied

Images first published by Indian Autos Blog show the production Nissan Terrano will carry over much of the design originally teased in sketch form in June, albeit with less aggressive cues.

Based on the same B0 platform as the Renault-owned Dacia Duster compact SUV, and related to the underpinnings of the Nissan Juke and new Pulsar hatch, the Terrano features a new front end with angular headlights that flank a chrome-highlighted grille that's similar to that of the larger Nissan Pathfinder and Patrol.

According to the publication, the bonnet, doors and tailgate have all been re-skinned as a direct response to criticism of the Renault-Nissan alliance’s habit of obviously rebadging models. And while the profile remains almost identical to the Duster, the Terrano gains black pillars, silver wing mirrors and roof racks and new alloy wheels to help distinguish the two.

Powertrains for the Terrano are yet to be announced but the Duster – which is 92mm longer, 29mm wider and 61mm lower than a Skoda Yeti – is available as a front- or four-wheel drive with either a 1.6- or 2.0-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre diesel four-cylinder.

Described by Nissan as a “premium SUV” and due to launch in India on August 20, the Terrano is to be produced in right-hand drive at the Japanese manufacturer’s Oragadam Plant in India alongside the Micra hatchback, Sunny (Almera) sedan and Evalia van (also known as NV200).

Nissan Australia corporate communications general manager Peter Fadeyev told CarAdvice there are currently no plans for the new Nissan Terrano to be released in our market, despite the previous Terrano II being sold locally in the 1990s.