THE Ford Everest could have a new rival with Nissan Australia being a step closer to securing a new Navara-based 4×4 wagon.

The daringly named Terra plonks a three-row wagon body atop the NP300 Navara ladder frame chassis; a similar format to the previous generation Pathfinders.

Due to be unveiled at the Beijing motor show in late April, the Terra will be Nissan’s first ute- or frame-based SUV to launch under its frame and LCV (light commercial vehicle) business unit.

However, he said its availability is dependent on it being built for other right-hand-drive markets including Thailand and the UK.

Nissan hasn’t released further information about the Terra, but what we do know is that it will be 4882mm long and sits on a 2850mm wheelbase, which is shorter than the current 5255mm Navara dual-cab (which boasts a 3150mm wheelbase), though the 1850mm width is identical.

The Chinese-market model will be powered by a 137kW 2.5-litre petrol engine, with a choice of two- and four-wheel-drive.

The Terra would give Nissan a handy competitor against the Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu MU-X.

He called this appeal “authentic capability”, adding that there’s a significant customer base not wanting to make the practical compromise of a monocoque soft-roader, in effect favouring both the feel and image of an old-school ladder chassis.