Ride and Handling
The Terrano’s dCi Pure Drive diesel variants come with Electro Hydraulic Power assisted steering while the petrol sibling gets hydraulic power assisted steering. The steering on the diesel versions feel a bit heavy at parking speeds. However, the heaviness is controlled enough to not give one a work out of any sorts when parking. However, we would have loved some more assistance to make a light work of the 5.2 m turning radius. While on the move, the steering does require a bit of input and lock especially at speeds between 40-60 kph while driving around a twisty road, hence the direct feel is missed. As the speeds built up, the same weighty feel works in its favour and the Terrano feels stable albeit marginal dead centre feel.
The Terrano has a soft and long travel suspension and rides on tallish 215/65 R16 tubeless MRF Wanderers.
It has 205 mm of ground clearance and as is evident from the pictures, projects the impression of a typical SUV, which rolls around corners like a boat. However, one will be gravely mistaken to assume the Terrano to handle like a typical SUV. The Terrano sports sedan like McPherson Strut with coil spring and anti-roll bar suspension up front, while the rear gets Torsion beam axle and coil spring, along with anti-rollbars. The ride and handling package is so well sorted out that it carries only minimal body roll (by SUV standards) while merrily munching away potholes and staying planted at high speeds, all at the same time!!
At speeds of around 20-30 kph, the suspension feels a bit harsh as the irregularities get filtered in, however step on the gas and the Terrano floats over anything up to small speed breakers with quite an aplomb. While on the drive back to the airport from the picturesque Kumbhalgarh fort, the Terrano got its fair share of broken patches and a chance to display its fantastic setup. The monocoque structure further helps the suspension setting to aid the Terrano`s drive and handling. All this while, the high ground clearance and suspension take the rough with the ease. We felt blessed driving the Terrano on a single lane, which had on display monsoon`s relentless wrath. We faced state transport buses and other aggressive local vehicles hurtling down at us, all we needed to do was drop a set of wheels of the tarmac and continue without bothering about the lunar like road surface.
The only grouse, if at all we have to talk about one, is the kickback from the steering while going through bad patches, which is highlighted specially on twisty bad roads. Overall, the Terrano exudes un-SUV like balance of ride quality, handling and highspeed stability.
For sure, Terrano owners across the length and breadth of the country will seldom complain about bad roads and the best way to make a mockery of potholes by not slowing down!
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