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Nissan Tekton will share its architecture with the new Renault Duster as it will be heavily localised to carry competitive pricing
A full width LED light bar at the rear, squared wheel arches and an upright stance inspired by the global Patrol will certainly be part of the main identity of Nissan’s upcoming midsize SUV for India. Called the Tekton, the new five seater is scheduled to make its public debut on July 9 and it will denote Nissan return to a category where it has remained absent ever since the Terrano gradually disappeared from the market.
Unlike the softer crossover styling inherited by several rivals, the Tekton is expected to lean towards a tougher visual character with sharper surfaces and a more muscular silhouette. A high bonnet line, sculpted body panels and chunky proportions are likely to help the SUV establish a distinct appeal against established products such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder.
Underneath, the Tekton will share its architecture with the new Renault Duster. The Japanese auto major relies on this localised modular platform for their next phase in India and the Tekton will become one of the first major Nissan products to utilise it. A three row derivative based on the same platform is already understood to be under development.
It could arrive before the end of the current financial year. Nissan is expected to offer the Tekton with three engine choices. The entry level versions will likely use a 1.0L three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing around 100 bhp and 160 Nm paired with a manual gearbox. Higher trims are expected to feature a larger 1.3L turbo petrol motor.
It makes 163 bhp and 280 Nm in the Duster while transmission choices could include both a manual and a dual clutch auto unit. A strong hybrid setup is also expected to sit at the top of the range and this could become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the SUV. Reports indicate a 1.8L petrol engine working alongside two electric motors and a compact battery pack for a combined output close to 160 bhp.
Few mainstream midsize SUVs in India currently offer a full hybrid system and Nissan appears keen to use this technology to carve out a stronger position in the segment. The interior layout and equipment list are likely to closely mirror the India spec Renault Duster. A large 10.1 inch touchscreen infotainment unit with integrated Google applications and a 10.25 inch fully digital instrument console are expected.
Features such as ventilated front seats with power adjustment, powered tailgate, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, USB Type-C charging ports, dual zone climate control, smart air purifier, OTA updates and connected car functions are also likely to be offered. Safety equipment could include six airbags, electronic stability control, a 360 degree camera and Level 2 ADAS functions.
Nissan is expected to position the Tekton competitively as it attempts to rebuild volumes in India following the launch of the Gravite. Deliveries for the compact MPV have already commenced and the Tekton will become a central role of Nissan upcoming product offensive in the country with more models waiting in the wings.
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