The midsize SUV space is truly a segment which no manufacturer can ignore. There are already a dozen models in this space, and now Nissan will be the latest entrant with the upcoming Tekton SUV, marking its return to this segment since the discontinuation of the Kicks back in 2023. The Nissan Tekton will be a badge-engineered Renault Duster, sharing its platform and powertrains, but with a completely different top hat. Ahead of its official debut tomorrow, here’s everything we know about the Nissan’s new midsize SUV.
How different will be the Tekton from the Duster?
Like every badge-engineered model, there will be some commonality between the Duster and the Tekton. Exterior panels like the doors, front and rear fenders and the bonnet could be carried over, but teaser shots have indicated that the Tekton will gets its own unique fascia replete with distinct LED lighting signatures. Nissan says that the Tekton’s design has been inspired by its flagship Patrol SUV that’s very popular in some markets abroad. On the inside, the Nissan Tekton is expected to carry over most of the features and technology from the Duster, but it’s expected to have a unique dashboard design with its own colours, trims and textures.
What engine options will the Nissan Tekton offer?
Like the Duster, the Tekton will offer 100hp, 1.0-litre and 163hp, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine options. A 6-speed manual gearbox will be offered with both engines, but an automatic gearbox – a 7-speed DCT in this case – is likely to be limited to the larger engine option only. The Duster is also due to receive a 160hp 1.8-litre strong-hybrid powertrain by Diwali this year, but it remains to be seen if the same will be offered on the Nissan SUV.
What features are expected on the Nissan Tekton?
Top-spec variants of the Tekton are expected to come equipped with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Google integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, front-seat ventilation and a panoramic sunroof. As for safety equipment, the Tekton could come with 6 airbags as standard, ABS and EBD, a 360-degree camera with a blind-spot monitor, an electronic parking brake with auto hold and a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The Duster comes fairly well-equipped in its lower trims, so it’ll be interesting to see the Tekton’s spread of features across its different trims.
What is Tekton’s expected price and who are its rivals?
The Tekton is likely to be priced similarly to the Duster, which starts at Rs 10.49 lakh and goes up to Rs 18.69 lakh for the top-spec turbo-petrol variant. In addition to the Duster, the Tekton will take on SUVs such as the Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Honda Elevate, MG Astor and Maruti Grand Vitara and Victoris.