Mumbai was the city chosen by Nissan to pull the wraps off its new 2013 Terrano, because it will be built in India, alongside the Micra, Sunny and Evalia. It’s an affordable SUV that promises to be a little more luxurious than the Dacia Duster on which it’s based.

It’s couldn’t have been a lot more luxurious, otherwise it would have encroached on the territory of its higher-class and higher-priced kinsmen, the Qasqai and X-Trail.

The exterior follows the natural styling trend now present on all Nissans, and I think they have succeeded in making it a more aesthetically-pleasing package, especially from the back, though styling is hardly the primary concern with this vehicle. Inside, again, its Duster roots are visible, but it too is brought closer to the Japanese brand standards with the use of more pleasant-looking materials and colors. There’s a new steering wheel, new central vents (which are no longer circular) and a noticeably less sober impression overall.

Aside from that, it should be pretty much the same in every aspect, and it is expected to get the same diesel and petrol engines and the same optional all-wheel drive system which if specified, turns the rigid torsion beam suspension into a fully-independent setup.

Differences in the running costs should also be minimal, as well. Keep in mind, though, that Nissan may want to differentiate the Terrano even further, and since the Russian Renault Duster gets a 2.0-liter petrol engine and automatic gearbox, perhaps a similar setup may be offered as a top-spec alternative on this posher Nissan model too.

Finally, the multitude of Indian sources are speculating a price difference of 50,000 rupees between the Terrano and Duster, which is also badged as a Renault on the local market, and this roughly equates to around €600 / $800 at today’s exchange rates.

By Andrei Nedelea

Story References: Indianautosblog , Autocarindia , Motorbeam & Autonetmagz [Shoeb R Kalania] – Thanks to everyone who sent in a tip!

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