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Nissan is about to reboot the Terrano as a rugged plug-in hybrid SUV with real off-road capability.
Nissan used the Beijing Motor Show to announce a revival of the Terrano four-wheel drive, this time as a plug-in hybrid model.
Last used in Australia in 1999, the Terrano nameplate has been used across a number of Nissan models in different markets.
Nissan CEO, Ivan Espinosa, unveiled the Terrano PHEV Concept, calling it “a true SUV, inheriting Nissan’s traditional off-road DNA, while incorporating plug-in hybrid technology.
“It is designed to provide both the functionality needed for outdoor activities and the comfort and security of everyday life,” Espinosa said.
The new Terrano features rugged styling, high-clearance bumpers, raised ride height, and mud-terrain tyres, with throwbacks to the bulging guards found on older Nissan off-roaders like the Y60 and Y61-generation Patrol.
In keeping with the off-road theme, the Terrano Concept features a roof rack, auxiliary lighting, prominent plastic cladding, front and rear recovery points, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
Further details about the Terrano PHEV, including powertrain, platform, and more, are yet to be officially revealed.
The interior of the Terrano PHEV has not been revealed.
Despite having unique styling, albeit with some similar elements, the Terrano PHEV is likely to utilise a version of the Nissan Frontier Pro’s plug-in hybrid powertrain and chassis.
Built for the Chinese market initially, the Frontier Pro PHEV uses a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and single electric motor, with a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.
Combined system output is rated at 306kW and 800Nm, slightly down on power, but with more torque than the 321kW/650Nm 1.5-litre BYD Shark 6 PHEV.
EV-only driving range for the Frontier Pro is as high as 135km, based on Chinese testing.
The vehicle chassis and powertrain systems for the Frontier Pro come from Nissan’s Chinese joint-venture partner, Dongfeng. Styling is specific to the Nissan version, though only with minor changes.
Nissan announced that a production version of the Terrano PHEV would be announced within a year.
At this stage, the Terrano has only been announced for the Chinese market, but like the Frontier Pro, the opportunity exists for an introduction outside of China, although nothing has been confirmed.
Espinosa said of the Terrano, and two other concepts unveiled in Beijing, that the new-energy SUV range would “connect with more individuals, families, and communities beyond China,” pointing to a wider international rollout.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
