Despite having a distinctive, sporty profile, the Nissan Tecton will borrow its powertrain and most of the equipment from the all-new Renault Duster.
Nissan will introduce the all-new Tecton mid-size SUV (C-segment) on July 9. This is part of the brand’s strategic plan to strengthen its presence in India. Earlier this year in February, Nissan launched the Gravity MPV. Even the Tecton was originally planned to launch in February. A specific new launch date in July would be more beneficial from a promotional standpoint.
Nissan Tecton – Design and Features
Heavily camouflaged, the test mule has a box-like profile with a straight front fascia. Key features of the side profile include hex-style wheel arches with cladding, larger wheels, a flat roof and C-pillar mounted rear door handles. At the rear, the SUV features a prominent roof-mounted spoiler, a raked windshield and a thick rear bumper. The Nissan Tecton features C-shaped tail lamps in connected format.
In earlier spy shots, several other distinctive features of the Tecton were revealed. The SUV gets top-mounted LED DRLs and a full-width LED light bar. The teaser images reveal features like TEKTON lettering in large font on the bonnet. The SUV has a large grille which gets two full-width chrome strips with the Nissan logo in the middle. Prominent C-shaped inserts have been used on both sides of the bumper.
Inside, most of the features of the Tecton are expected to be similar to the new Duster. However, things like upholstery, dashboard layout and interior theme will be unique. Expected key features include dual screens, front ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, air filter with AQI display and wireless smartphone charger.
Nissan Tecton – Powertrain Options
The base variant of the Nissan Tecton is expected to be equipped with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. It produces 100 PS and 160 Nm and is paired with a manual transmission. Nissan has ensured that even the base variant offers versatile performance, suitable for both busy roads and highways. Higher variants of the Nissan Tecton will have the option of a 1.3-litre turbo petrol TCe 160 and a stronger hybrid E-TEC 160.
For both the Tecton and the new Duster, stronger hybrid powertrains will be introduced at a later date. This setup includes a 1.8-litre petrol engine and a 1.4 kWh battery pack. Tecton’s 1.3-litre engine generates 163 PS and 280 Nm torque. It is offered with transmission options of 6-speed manual and 6-speed DCT. As mentioned earlier, these engine options remain the same as the new Duster.
Nissan Tecton will enter the highly competitive 4.2m – 4.5m SUV segment. It will compete with rivals like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hayrider, Maruti Grand Vitara, Tata Sierra, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and Honda Elevate. Nissan is likely to offer the Tecton at a competitive price. The base variant can be offered at a starting price of around Rs 10-11 lakh.
