Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Nissan Motor India is preparing to make a strong comeback in India’s highly competitive mid-size SUV segment with the debut of the Tekton on July 9. The upcoming SUV will spearhead the Japanese carmaker’s renewed product offensive and take on some of the country’s most popular SUVs, including the Renault Duster, Tata Sierra, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.
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The Tekton will be Nissan’s first mid-size SUV for India since the Kicks was discontinued in 2023. After relying largely on the Magnite to drive sales over the past few years, the company has begun expanding its portfolio with the recently introduced Gravite MPV, and the Tekton is expected to be one of its most important launches in recent years.
Distinct Nissan styling
Although the Tekton shares its underpinnings with the Renault Duster under the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Nissan has given the SUV its own identity.
Spy shots and camouflaged test mules indicate the SUV will feature a wider Nissan-specific grille, slim LED daytime running lamps connected by a full-width light bar, redesigned bumpers and additional chrome detailing. Compared to the Duster, the Tekton is expected to have more body-coloured surfaces for a cleaner, more premium appearance.
At the rear, connected LED tail lamps are expected to be one of the design highlights, while higher variants could ride on 18-inch alloy wheels with 225-section tyres. Inspired by Nissan’s global SUVs such as the Patrol, the Tekton is expected to have a bold and commanding road presence.
Interior design and features
Inside, the Tekton is likely to share much of its cabin layout with the Duster while featuring Nissan-specific upholstery, dashboard finishes and trim elements.
Spy images have already confirmed a flat-bottom steering wheel, a fully digital instrument cluster and steering-mounted controls. A large touchscreen infotainment system with Google built-in functionality is also expected.
The Tekton is expected to come loaded with premium features, including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a powered tailgate, a 360-degree camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Level 2 ADAS, auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers, positioning it as a technology-rich family SUV in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.
The extensive equipment list is expected to position the Tekton as a premium family SUV focused on comfort, convenience and technology.
Turbo-petrol engines expected
Mechanically, the Tekton is expected to mirror the India-spec Renault Duster’s engine lineup.
The 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 variants are expected to get a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine developing approximately 163bhp and 280Nm. This engine is likely to be offered with both a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Unlike the Duster, however, the Tekton is unlikely to receive Renault’s strong-hybrid powertrain, allowing both brands to maintain clear product differentiation within the Alliance.
Expected price
Nissan is expected to price the Tekton aggressively, with a starting price of around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It is likely to be positioned slightly below the Renault Duster, which is priced between Rs 10.49 lakh and Rs 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
With SUV demand continuing to dominate the Indian passenger vehicle market, the Tekton is expected to play a pivotal role in Nissan India’s future growth. Combining distinctive styling, a feature-packed cabin, multiple turbo-petrol engine options and competitive pricing, the new SUV aims to establish itself as a strong contender in one of the country’s most fiercely contested segments.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
