Renault Duster sibling Nissan Tekton teased ahead of July 9 debut
Nissan has teased the upcoming Tekton ahead of its July 9 debut, revealing fresh design details of its Renault Duster-based midsize SUV. The new model marks Nissan's return to the segment after the Kicks.
After spending the last few years relying heavily on the Magnite to sustain its presence in India, Nissan is finally preparing a major product offensive. Following the recent introduction of the Gravite MPV, the Japanese carmaker is now gearing up to enter one of the country's most competitive segments with the upcoming Nissan Tekton SUV.
Ahead of its official debut on July 9, Nissan has released a fresh teaser of the Tekton, offering a clearer glimpse at the brand's upcoming midsize SUV. The Tekton will mark Nissan's return to the segment after the discontinuation of the Kicks in 2023 and is expected to become one of the company's most important launches in recent years.
While sharing its CMF-B platform and core mechanicals with the upcoming Renault Duster, Nissan says the Tekton has been developed with a distinct identity, featuring unique styling, cabin design and equipment levels tailored to the brand.
Baby Patrol-inspired design
The latest teaser reveals several new styling details, including a full-width illuminated red strip integrated into the front grille. The SUV also gets connected LED headlights and tail-lamps, prominent "TEKTON" lettering on the bonnet and tailgate, multi-spoke alloy wheels and a twin-ridge roof spoiler.
One of the standout design elements is the C-shaped LED signature within the tail-lamps, a styling cue inspired by Nissan's flagship Patrol SUV. In fact, Nissan itself refers to the Tekton as a "baby Patrol" in the teaser video, where the new SUV is seen alongside its larger global sibling.
The SUV retains an upright stance and rugged proportions, with ground clearance likely to remain around 212mm. Higher variants are expected to ride on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Feature-packed cabin expected
Although the overall architecture will be shared with the Duster, Nissan is expected to significantly differentiate the cabin through a revised dashboard layout and different upholstery themes.
The Tekton is expected to feature a fully digital instrument cluster, a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in technology, a flat-bottom steering wheel and steering-mounted controls.
Other expected features include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- Powered driver's seat
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Powered tailgate
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- 360-degree camera
- Auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers
- Level 2 ADAS suite
The extensive equipment list is expected to position the Tekton among the most feature-rich offerings in the segment.
Shared turbo-petrol powertrains
Under the hood, the Tekton is expected to mirror the engine lineup of the India-spec Renault Duster.
Entry-level variants are likely to be powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing around 100bhp and 160Nm, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Higher trims are expected to get a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine developing approximately 163bhp and 280Nm. This engine will likely be offered with both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Nissan is also believed to be evaluating a strong-hybrid variant for India. The hybrid powertrain, expected to arrive at a later stage, could combine a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack, helping the Tekton compete with hybrid rivals in the segment.
Rivals and expected pricing
The Nissan Tekton is expected to be priced in line with the Renault Duster, which is anticipated to be positioned between Rs 10.50 lakh and Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom).
Once launched, the SUV will take on a long list of established competitors, including the Tata Sierra, Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.
With the Magnite continuing as its volume driver and the Gravite strengthening its MPV portfolio, the Tekton could play a crucial role in Nissan's efforts to rebuild its presence in the Indian passenger vehicle market. More details, including variants, features and launch timelines, are expected to be revealed at its official debut on July 9.
Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
After spending the last few years relying heavily on the Magnite to sustain its presence in India, Nissan is finally preparing a major product offensive. Following the recent introduction of the Gravite MPV, the Japanese carmaker is now gearing up to enter one of the country's most competitive segments with the upcoming Nissan Tekton SUV.
Ahead of its official debut on July 9, Nissan has released a fresh teaser of the Tekton, offering a clearer glimpse at the brand's upcoming midsize SUV. The Tekton will mark Nissan's return to the segment after the discontinuation of the Kicks in 2023 and is expected to become one of the company's most important launches in recent years.
While sharing its CMF-B platform and core mechanicals with the upcoming Renault Duster, Nissan says the Tekton has been developed with a distinct identity, featuring unique styling, cabin design and equipment levels tailored to the brand.
Baby Patrol-inspired design
The latest teaser reveals several new styling details, including a full-width illuminated red strip integrated into the front grille. The SUV also gets connected LED headlights and tail-lamps, prominent "TEKTON" lettering on the bonnet and tailgate, multi-spoke alloy wheels and a twin-ridge roof spoiler.
One of the standout design elements is the C-shaped LED signature within the tail-lamps, a styling cue inspired by Nissan's flagship Patrol SUV. In fact, Nissan itself refers to the Tekton as a "baby Patrol" in the teaser video, where the new SUV is seen alongside its larger global sibling.
The SUV retains an upright stance and rugged proportions, with ground clearance likely to remain around 212mm. Higher variants are expected to ride on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Feature-packed cabin expected
Although the overall architecture will be shared with the Duster, Nissan is expected to significantly differentiate the cabin through a revised dashboard layout and different upholstery themes.
The Tekton is expected to feature a fully digital instrument cluster, a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in technology, a flat-bottom steering wheel and steering-mounted controls.
Other expected features include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- Powered driver's seat
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Powered tailgate
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- 360-degree camera
- Auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers
- Level 2 ADAS suite
The extensive equipment list is expected to position the Tekton among the most feature-rich offerings in the segment.
Shared turbo-petrol powertrains
Under the hood, the Tekton is expected to mirror the engine lineup of the India-spec Renault Duster.
Entry-level variants are likely to be powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing around 100bhp and 160Nm, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Higher trims are expected to get a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine developing approximately 163bhp and 280Nm. This engine will likely be offered with both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Nissan is also believed to be evaluating a strong-hybrid variant for India. The hybrid powertrain, expected to arrive at a later stage, could combine a 1.8-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack, helping the Tekton compete with hybrid rivals in the segment.
Rivals and expected pricing
The Nissan Tekton is expected to be priced in line with the Renault Duster, which is anticipated to be positioned between Rs 10.50 lakh and Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom).
Once launched, the SUV will take on a long list of established competitors, including the Tata Sierra, Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.
With the Magnite continuing as its volume driver and the Gravite strengthening its MPV portfolio, the Tekton could play a crucial role in Nissan's efforts to rebuild its presence in the Indian passenger vehicle market. More details, including variants, features and launch timelines, are expected to be revealed at its official debut on July 9.
Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
