Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
We were honored that Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) lent us their new 2021 Nissan Terra VL 4×2 A/T a few days before its official launch on September 1, 2021. While the new Nissan model was with us, we were supposed to make a 2-minute video of our driving impressions that NPI will use for the online launch. However, we were temporarily left speechless by the new Terra and its new features that we decided to let it speak for itself in our video. Please watch it here: https://youtu.be/esUJ128PJIk
We were wowed by the Terra’s new front and rear design that gave it a fresh new look and a much stronger presence. The front grille with the new Nissan V-Motion pattern and the new first-in-its-segment Auto-Levelling Quad LED Projector headlamps with the daytime running lights provided a modern machismo to the façade while the redesigned LED tail lamps work with the pronounced tailgate design to elevate the Terra and make it look even more upmarket.
Dynamic Performance
In this day and age where most sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are often driven on pavement and around city streets with only a few even wandering off the beaten path, our Terra VL 4X2 A/T presents a compelling choice. Its 2.5-liter Direct Injection turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, Quick Steering gear ratio, 4-wheel disc brakes, and full line of electronic driving aids, including standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Hill Start Assist (HAS) makes it an ideal, comfortable and stylish cocoon to roam around the urban jungle with.
The new 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, which are wrapped with meaty 255/60R18 Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires, fill the massive wheel wells nicely and augments the pronounced bulge of the fenders. Onlookers and SUV enthusiasts are inclined to call it a “mini-Patrol”, referring to the Nissan Patrol, which is the brand’s top-of-the-line SUV. It may sound cliché but we think the new Terra oozes with machismo and has its own distinct personality, especially with the inclusion of Nissan’s exclusive technologies.
Nissan Intelligent Mobility
The new Terra is equipped with the company’s exclusive Nissan Intelligent Mobility to help the driver easily navigate through some of the crowded roads and narrow streets around the Philippines. The Intelligent Forward Collision Warning sends an alarm when the Terra is fast approaching a vehicle or obstacle in front while the Lane Departure Warning sends an audible alarm when you’re veering from one lane to another.
We appreciate the Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Warning, and Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection that automatically sends images to the large touchscreen monitor in time for the driver to detect and avoid these obstacles. We also appreciate how the Intelligent Rear Mirror, Intelligent Emergency Braking, and Intelligent Driver Alertness all work together to ensure a safe journey every time we drive the new Terra.
Revamped Upmarket Two-Tone Interior
Nissan completely revamped the Terra’s interior with a two-tone design for a more modern and upmarket look. The occupants sit on new, comfortable quilted leather seats while the driver grips a flat-bottom multi-functional leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. A new, high-contrast 7-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display help us monitor overall performance while an 11-inch flip-down rear monitor keeps the rear occupants entertained.
The new center console features an integrated wireless charging dock and an electronic parking brake. The 9-inch Advanced Touchscreen Display for the infotainment system, which now features wireless Apple Carplay, Android Audio and Navigation, works well with the 8-speaker Bose premium sound system. Two switches in the center console fold the second row seats remotely so the driver can conveniently allow the passengers to climb in and out of the third row.
Terra-Terrific Even in Terra-Traffic
We drove north to Pampanga to experience the much-vaunted suspension system of our Terra and we weren’t disappointed. During our drive, we marveled at the comfortable suspension settings, the improved quietness inside, the muted engine and road noise, and the simplicity of the controls. Despite the weekend traffic and the long queues at the toll booth (our test vehicle didn’t have an RFID toll payment sticker yet), we remained relaxed and fresh after more than 250 kilometers of driving.
We later learned that our new 2021 Nissan Terra VL 4×2 A/T is priced at around P1,999,000, which we can consider a bargain especially with all the safety, performance, comfort and convenience features packed into it. Nissan offers other new Terra variants that can suit your requirements from basic 4×2 family runabouts to top-of-the-line 4×4 off-road beasts. For more information, please visit their website at www.nissan.ph
