A new Nissan built for the B+ segment was born on July 9th as Nissan Tekton marked its world premiere in Mumbai. Developed under Nissan’s ‘One Car, One World’ philosophy and manufactured in Chennai, India, for domestic and export markets, the all-new Tekton highlights India’s expanding role in Nissan’s future as a fast-growing market and strategic export hub. Aimed at 50 countries across the Middle East and Africa, Tekton reiterates what Magnite did last year.
What makes Nissan Tekton a ‘perfect fit’ SUV?
B+ segment is one of the world’s most competitive but Tekton has been designed to be a perfect fit, based on insights gathered from thousands of SUV customers across India, the Middle East and Africa. Taking forward 75 years of Nissan’s SUV heritage, Tekton is armed to get noticed with bold Patrol-inspired styling cues like the C-shaped LED DRLs, edge-to-edge red decals and commanding proportions. The all-new 4.35 m compact SUV rises above rivals with 18” wheels and 212mm ground clearance. It is equipped with premium comfort, intuitive connectivity, advanced driver assistance technologies and everyday practicality.
Tried and tested engine for the Middle East
Nissan Tekton has been launched with two available engines—T160 and T280 (the numbers are suggestive of their torque). While Nissan clarifies that the 1.0L turbo is totally different from that of the Magnite, the power-conscious Middle East market is served only with the 1.3-litre turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine that generates up to 163PS (161hp) and best-in-segment 280 Nm torque. Instead of a CVT that marks most of Nissan’s compact and subcompact vehicles, Tekton is paired with a wet-clutch 6-speed DCT (dual clutch transmission) for responsive acceleration and smooth shifts. This powertrain has been tried and tested in 23 models across 3 brands worldwide and Nissan alone has sold more than 1 million vehicles.
‘More than you expect’
This headline is one of the key promises of Tekton. The Tekton flaunts a strikingly premium cabin that places effortless comfort at the core of every journey, which is delivered by a spacious cabin and a 518L boot, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats for driver and front passenger, dual-zone climate control and generous storage solutions.
Advanced Technology and Safety
Nissan Tekton features advanced technologies, including a digital cockpit experience, connected services and driver assistance systems.
Safety is uncompromising in the Tekton mix. Besides a reinforced body structure and six airbags, an advanced suite of 17 driver assistance technologies—including Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Driver Attention Alert and 360 Parking Assist—work together to make driving smarter, safer and more intuitive. While Google connectivity is a key feature as showcased at the launch, it could take a bit longer to be available in the Middle East version due to connectivity regulations.
Nissan Tekton Product Planning Director and Design Chief at the world premiere
How does it compare with Nissan Kicks?
The B+ segment already has a Nissan planted there. So, the question whether this model can be expected to eat into the share of Kicks is only natural. Vengatesan Pandyan, Director – Product Planning (pictured above), dispels that doubt. “The Kicks and the Tekton are more or less the same size and technically occupies the same segment, but they have different characters.” The Kicks owner would be more of the subtle kind while the Tekton buyer would want to flaunt its premium-ness and sophistication—like the touch of rose gold in the cabin or the power seats in front. Tekton with its 280 Nm torque should come across as a peppier driver’s car while Kicks overall has a softer, smoother attitude and persona. Despite what the class-leading ground clearance suggests, both are essentially urban cars but the new Tekton reserves a bit more room to play with though it clearly isn’t an off-roader.
How does it compare with Renault Duster?
What you heard is right. Nissan Tekton is essentially a rebadging of the Renault Duster born of the Nissan-Renault alliance. The profile is more or less the same give or take a few millimetres in length or ground clearance. While the Tekton grabs some styling cues from the Patrol, Duster retains its capable and rugged looks especially inside the cabin with Tekton opting for a more premium-lounge approach with superior tech. The powertrain is the same but the differences are obvious enough to set apart the target ownership of the Tekton and the Duster.
Built in India for India and Beyond
Tekton brings Nissan’s ‘One Car, One World’ philosophy to life. Developed in partnership with Renault and manufactured at its plant in Chennai, the vehicle has been designed to rise up to the rugged challenges of Indian roads while delivering the quality and capability to be competitive in global markets. Nissan Tekton is priced in India from 10.49 lakhs to 18.49 lakhs rupees. Middle East prices and arrival dates are yet to be announced.
Tekton takes its name from plate tectonics which in India brings the Himalayas to mind. The vehicle interestingly features graphics representing the mountain range and is set to shake up the worldwide markets.
Quotes from the world premiere:
Guillaume Cartier, Chief Performance Officer, Nissan: “We are building a stronger and more competitive Nissan in India. As we continue to strengthen our SUV-led portfolio… …Tekton is a clear expression of how Nissan is transforming with purpose – towards a more competitive, diverse portfolio.”
Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson, Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Oceania and Europe (AMIEO): “The all-new Tekton is a strong example of our ‘One Car, One World’ approach — a global product engineered and manufactured in India, with international customers in mind. It will be exported to markets across the AMIEO region and will allow us to expand our offering across Africa and the Middle East.”
Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President and President, Middle East, KSA, India and CIS – Nissan and INFINITI (pictured above): “The Nissan Tekton… (brings) global SUV excellence to a new generation of customers across India, Middle East and Africa. This all-new model has been created with their exact expectations in mind: standout design, advanced technology, and everyday versatility.”
