While the original Terra PPV (Pickup Passenger Vehicle) launched in 2018 did not create as big an impact as Nissan would have liked, the Japanese automaker has made sure that the current updated version gets whatever is required to turn things around.
Introduced in Thailand in August last year, the new Terra comes with improved performance as well as several interesting new features that makes you wonder why Nissan didn't do this in the first place.
Pricing for the minor change version is highly competitive -- the current Terra line-up consists of the 2.3 E 2WD (1.119 million baht), 2.3 VL 2WD (1.449 million baht) and 2.3 VL 4WD (1.499 million baht) that's featured in this review.
Exterior
The Terra's facelift comes with a redesigned front end consisting of a new engine compartment lid and "V-Motion" front grille that has 3.5 times more chrome area than the previous version, giving it a more luxurious look that would appeal to family-type buyers. The lower bumper has been redone as well, and features a silver skid plate lower lip.
The LED headlights are replaced, with the new quad-LEDs offering 34% more brightness (along with C-shaped daytime running lights) and new LED fog lamps.
There is not much change at the side, except for the new 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/60 Bridgestone Dueler tyres and silver-coloured roof rails.
Rear-end highlights include new spoiler, LED taillights, shark fin antenna, chrome garnish and bumper with lower silver/black accents. The tailgate is electrically-powered, and comes with kick gesture function.
Interior
The interior of the updated Terra VL 4WD is pretty stylish with a burgundy/black (or beige) upholstery theme (mix of leather and PVC) and a sporty D-shaped multi-function steering wheel. Soft-touch areas have been increased around the cabin, while the seat cushions and backrests have been improved for better comfort (but only the driver's seat is electric powered).
The size of the instrument display screen has been increased from 5 inches to 7 inches, while the centre touchscreen size goes up from 8 inches to 9 inches. The screen sensitivity and resolution (1024x768) are top-notch and there is also an all-around-view monitor, although the quality of the rear-view camera isn't impressive. A plus here is the intelligent rear-view mirror that shows live images in case the luggage area is fully loaded.
The infotainment system features both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, voice control and an upmarket eight-speaker Bose sound system that's pretty high quality.
Controls for the dual-zone air-conditioning have been redesigned, and there's a total of five USB ports (three USB-A and two USB-C) plus three 12-volt outlets. Other new features include a smartphone wireless charger and electronic parking brake.
The second-row seat backrests can be folded electronically via electronic buttons on the centre console, or tumbled manually with just one touch. Entry and exit are easy for the third-row occupants, and the seat backrests can be folded to create a flat luggage compartment.
Second-row passengers get separate air-conditioning with air vents both on the ceiling and at the centre tunnel (there are two more ceiling vents for third-row passengers).
To top it off, Nissan has also decided to throw in an overhead 11-inch TV screen that connects via HDMI or Smart TV stick to keep rear passengers entertained.
Engine and suspension
Along with the facelift, the Terra also gets a new engine -- a 2.3-litre twin turbo diesel that pumps out 190hp and 450Nm. Nissan says that this YS23DDTT power plant, mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox, offers improved low-end acceleration for the updated Terra, which weighs in at 2,150kg for the VL 4WD version.
The new engine runs on a wide range of diesels (B7, B10 and B20) and has an average fuel economy of 13.1kpl which is a notch under the 14.7kpl offered by the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 (201hp/500Nm) or 14.3kpl offered by the Ford Everest 2.0 Turbo (177hp/420Nm). The Terra can go off-road too, coming with 2WD, 4WD-High and 4WD-Low selector knob on the centre console (shifting from 2WD into 4WD can be done at any speed up to 100kph). There's also brake-operated limited slip differential plus electronic differential lock to help improve off-roading capability. An off-road mode utilises cameras around the Terra to help drivers check out surroundings in order to cross obstacles safely.
The Terra VL 4WD tested also came with hill start assist and hill descent control that also comes in handy when driving offroad.
Occupants in the Terra will enjoy the comfortable ride offered by the front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension (there are stabilisers both front and rear) that offers good balance and class-leading ride quality, whether on the highway or during off-roading. The use of acoustic glass (front windshield and windows) also helps lower noise, contributing to a more comfortable interior.
The steering has been revised, now coming with more assistance as well as sharpness (3.4 turns lock-to-lock compared to the previous 3.8).
Even the brakes have been upgraded -- vented disc brakes replace the drum brakes previously offered in the pre-facelift model.
Safety
All Terra trims come with forward collision warning and braking, lane departure warning, driver alertness warning, vehicle dynamics control and six airbags. There are six airbags and three-point seat belts for all seven occupants.
Meanwhile, the upper trims get a more complete package that also includes blind spot monitor, moving object detection, rear cross traffic alert, hill descent control, cruise control, etc.
Conclusion
It's hard not to give the thumbs up to Nissan for the improvements in the minor-change Terra. With the updated model, Nissan has been able to turn a once mediocre PPV into something that's totally desirable, while at the same time maintaining highly attractive retail pricing.
Pros -- Improved engine performance, good ride quality, attractive pricing
Cons -- Mediocre fuel economy, no sunroof, low-res rear camera
