So Nissan finally unveiled its much-anticipated Terra Pickup Platform Vehicle earlier this week. Yes, it does battle with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Ford Everest, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Isuzu mu-X. And yes, it offers seven seats and a ladder-frame chassis.
Apart from these, it’s got a 2.5-liter diesel mill under the hood, along with available four-wheel drive. So yes, it does have the requisite gear to duke it out in this fiercely-fought segment. But what does the Terra have that could make it attractive to the typical SUV buyer?
As you’ll see from the video, Nissan puts in over 60 years of truck and SUV DNA into its newest offering. Names like the Patrol definitely come to mind. Moreover, Nisan’s Intelligent Mobility puts forward stuff like Around View Monitor, Lane Departure, and Blind Spot Monitoring. Plus, there’s that One Touch Remote 2nd row and a Smart Rearview Mirror.
These may definitely sound like marketing fluff. But in the real world, that SUV heritage can actually come into play—even if you’re not an off-road enthusiast. Thanks to the poor state of our roads, it sometimes feels like you’re hitting the dirt when you’re actually only traversing city streets. Moreover, the rainy season brings with it perennial flooding, which makes that 225mm of ground clearance seem like a godsend.
As for those toys like the Around View Monitor, sure, they are designed to offer better “eyesight” when going off road. But it, along with the Smart Rearview Mitrror, can also be a tool to assist you in those tight parking spaces. And comfort is assured with an eas-folding and tumbling second-row seat.
Of course, only time and sales will tell if the consumer will go for all these features. But at least we now have another model to choose from. Yes, the PPV shopper has never been so spoiled for choice.
Nissan Philippines Inc. will begin deliveries of the Terra in August. You can, however, get up close and persoal with the Terra at the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour happening this weekend at the BGC Open Grounds on 30th street corner 9th Ave, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
Photo and video by: Paolo Lesaca
