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Nissan Tekton is expected to be offered with multiple engine and transmission choices in a similar fashion to its sibling, the Renault Duster
Nissan’s most important product for India in years has been spotted testing once again, this time on the outskirts of Oragadam near the Renault-Nissan manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. The heavily camouflaged test mule indicates that development work is entering its final stages ahead of the SUV’s public debut on July 9. Called the Tekton, the new midsize SUV will become a direct challenger to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate and so on.
The brand has lacked a serious contender in the midsize SUV category ever since the Terrano exited the market. Since then, the segment has evolved into one of the largest and most competitive spaces in the Indian PV industry. The Tekton is therefore expected to play a central role in Nissan’s efforts to rebuild volumes following the recent introduction of the Gravite MPV.
Unlike several rivals that favour softer crossover-inspired styling, the Tekton gets a more rugged design philosophy. Spy shots and teaser details point towards a boxier silhouette with squared wheel arches, a tall bonnet, upright proportions and a strong road presence. A full-width LED light bar at the rear is expected to become one of its defining visual elements while design inspiration from the globally sold Nissan Patrol could help create a distinctive stance.
Underneath, the Tekton will share its foundations with the new Renault Duster. The SUV is based on the highly localised modular architecture that will underpin multiple future Renault and Nissan products in India. High localisation levels should allow Nissan to price the SUV aggressively. The same platform is also expected to spawn a larger three-row SUV, which could arrive before the end of the current financial year.
Powertrain options are likely to mirror those expected for the Renault Duster. Entry-level variants could feature a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing around 100 bhp and 160 Nm mated to a manual gearbox. Higher trims are expected to utilise a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine developing 163 bhp and 280 Nm.
Transmission choices could include both a six-speed manual and a dual-clutch automatic. Perhaps the biggest talking point will be the strong hybrid variant expected later in the lifecycle. Reports suggest the system could combine a 1.8-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and a compact battery pack for a combined output close to 160 bhp.
The cabin will closely follow the new Duster while introducing Nissan-specific design elements. Equipment levels could be among the strongest in the segment with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring integrated Google applications, a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, powered tailgate, Level 2 ADAS tech, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, etc are likely.
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