BEIJING MOTOR SHOW: Nissan Terrano is back

Nissan has previewed a pair of new Chinese-made SUV concepts that are expected to be candidates for Australian sale by 2028, and one of them carries the Terrano name.

The Terrano nameplate was last used here on a family SUV wagon between 1997-2006, and now it seems it could return as soon as next year as a hardcore plug-in hybrid off-roader beneath the Patrol.

Joining it on-stage in Beijing was the Urban SUV PHEV Concept that appears aimed at the mid-sized SUV market where it would fight the likes of the BYD Sealion 6.

Nissan says both models will be unveiled in production form within 12 months.

It also stated a further three ‘new energy’ models would be introduced in China by fiscal year 2027 (which in Japan means April 1, 2027).

Both concepts – meaning their production derivatives – would make eminent sense for Australia, where capable off-roaders and medium SUVs are big sellers, however only the Terrano has been confirmed as an export prospect so far.

With fuel prices a big issue and the incoming Patrol restricted to turbo-petrol power, the Terrano could be a real goer for in Australia… if the spec is right.

Nissan Australia has already signalled it’s turning its product sourcing focus to the Dongfeng-Nissan joint-venture in China which is responsible for these new concepts, as well as the Frontier Pro PHEV ute that will be in Australia by early 2027.

Nissan Australia told its dealers at a function in Adelaide late last year that it could source up to four SUVs from Dongfeng-Nissan, with the turn to China part of a concerted drive by the brand to boost flagging sales.

No technical details were revealed about either concept in the preview material, but it makes sense the Terrano would share the mechanical layout of the Frontier Pro which features a 300kW/800Nm powertrain.

The Urban SUV is described as drawing design influence from the larger NX8 family SUV just launched in China, as well as other future Nissan SUVs.

“The Terrano PHEV Concept is an exciting global reveal that highlights Nissan’s ongoing investment in electrification,” a Nissan Australia spokesperson said.

“As announced, the production model that the Terrano PHEV Concept previews, is intended for export to select global markets.?

“While we have nothing to announce for Australia at this stage, we see strong potential for an advanced hybrid of this nature and will be certainly be assessing the business case.”

They also confirmed the Urban would be considered if it became an export model.

“We would assess it as part of our normal business planning process.”

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