Four years after launching the Pathfinder on the U.S. market, Nissan thought that it might be a good idea to sell it in Europe as well and introduced it on the Old Continent in 1989 as a 1990 model year.
Thanks to the compact sizes of the Pathfinder/Terrano, the Europeans didn't have a problem driving it on narrower streets or using it in cities. At the front, the flat grille sported a pair of horizontal slats and was flanked by squared headlights. While the slim bumper didn't provide too much confidence in its ruggedness, it was useful to host the blinkers and the hanged foglights, when fitted, underneath it. Even though the Terrano was based on the WD21 platform shared with its three-door sibling, it wasn't longer. Nissan's design department had a brilliant idea to conceal the door handles from the rear doors into the C-pillar, thus creating the idea of a two-door pickup with a topper on it. Yet, to provide enough trunk space, the carmaker chose to install the spare wheel on a cradle behind the tailgate.
Inside, the automaker was stuck with the same old-looking, squared dashboard design. While it was neat and functional, it wasn't everybody's cup of tea. Also, the HVAC controls were mounted upper on the center stack than the stereo, which was not a good idea. Yet, there was room enough for five adult passengers, and thanks to the folding rear seats, it was good on camping trips too.
Unlike its American sibling that was fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline unit, the Terrano also received a 2.7-liter turbo-diesel powerplant, which was far more fuel efficient. Power went to the rear or in all corners via a five-speed manual and a two-speed transfer case. In addition, a four-speed automatic was available.