Nissan Tekton Driven In Himalayas, Pros & Cons Explained

Nissan India has finally entered the mid-size SUV segment after a long time with the launch of the Tekton. The Nissan Tekton has been launched at Rs 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom). I had the car with me for three days and took it on one of the most challenging roads in India, through the Himalayas, from Chandigarh to Leh. This period and the roads I drove on were enough to reveal the vehicle's strengths and weaknesses. This detailed pros-and-cons article outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the new Tekton that I experienced while driving the car on expressways, over hilly terrain, through high-altitude passes, and amid the challenges the Himalayas threw at us.

Also Read: Nissan Tekton Variants Explained: Check What Each Trim Offers

What I Liked About The Tekton

Design & Styling

The Tekton shares its underpinnings with the Renault Duster, but Nissan has done a great job with the SUV's design, in my opinion. The Tekton takes some design cues from the Nissan Patrol. The front offers a masculine and boxy look with a bold grille, LED headlamps, connected LED DRLs, silver skid plates on the bumper, and neatly integrated fog lamps. On the sides, the alloy wheel design is more appealing than that of the Duster, and the multi-spoke design is similar to the one seen on the Patrol. The side profile also boasts a masculine appeal rather than sharp lines and cuts. At the rear, the Tekton gets connected LED tail lamps, a rather boxy tailgate design, a dual-tone bumper, and an integrated spoiler. Overall, the styling of the Tekton feels more muscular than sophisticated or sharp, and this will appeal to buyers who want a more macho-looking SUV.

Ride & Handling

The one thing I loved the most about the Tekton is the ride and handling it offered on the curvy mountain roads and even where there were no roads. The suspension setup of the vehicle is tuned to offer comfort and stability, even if you are driving enthusiastically. The steering is well-weighted and gains a natural heft when driven enthusiastically. Around corners, it feels well-matched to the chassis. It not only feels pliant but is also fun to drive. It does not shy away from taking sharp corners and quick manoeuvres. A worthy mention here is the seats, which hug you nicely through the corners, while the body control on offer is simply phenomenal. At lower speeds, it easily tackles bad roads and potholes. The suspension is well-tuned to suit all kinds of roads while also offering excellent high-speed stability. The combined ride and handling package makes it a true driver's car and a delight to drive.

Space & Cabin Experience

The Tekton comes with a feature-loaded cabin that offers good space on the inside. Starting with the front row, everything is within the driver's reach, and the cabin feels more driver-centric with the screen tilted towards the driver. The physical controls are easy to understand and quickly become second nature. The fit and finish, along with the overall feel of the cabin, are on the premium side, while the colour scheme enhances the overall cabin ambience.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers wireless connectivity, built-in Google Maps, Gemini support, and an easy-to-use user interface. The driver and co-driver seats come with electric adjustment and manual lumbar support for enhanced comfort. It also offers features like dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, ADAS, electronic parking brake even with the manual transmission, among other convenience features.

Now, if we talk about practicality, the door pads might not be able to hold a 1-litre bottle, but a 500 ml bottle can be placed with ease. There is enough space to keep your mobile phone or wallet, along with a dedicated space for the key fob. The glovebox is also generously spacious. Coming to the boot, it offers 518 litres of luggage space, which can be expanded to 700 litres up to the roof. It easily accommodates four large suitcases, making it well-suited for long road trips.

A True Top-Spec Version

One thing that Nissan has done well with the Tekton is offering a true top-spec variant. The SUV shares its underpinnings with the Duster, and the features, engine options, and transmission options are largely similar in both SUVs. However, Nissan has taken a different approach to variant segregation. The Tekton is offered with two powertrain options: a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is available across all variants, which means customers who prefer this engine are not forced to opt for only the mid-spec variant. Instead, they can choose the fully loaded Tekna+ variant with the same engine option. Sadly, Renault does not offer this flexibility to its customers.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift Bookings Open At Rs 11,000 Ahead Of July 24 Launch

What I Didn't Like

No Automatic Transmission With 1.0-Litre Version

The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. While it does feel good to have a manual transmission for some customers, others might prefer an automatic, which is not available in the Tekton. The 6-speed manual gearbox feels a bit notchy during shifts, and rivals offer smoother manual transmissions. The 100 PS engine is peppy, and the 6th gear helps maintain fuel efficiency while keeping engine revs under control at high speeds. However, there is a noticeable loss of power in the initial gears, especially when you floor the accelerator. On steep inclines, you need to keep the car in momentum to climb without disappointment, as any loss of momentum turns into a struggle.

Rear Seat Comfort & Cabin Practicality

The rear row of the Tekton is comfortable but not very spacious. The seats offer good under-thigh support and cushioning, making the rear seat comfortable to relax in. However, the space below the front seats is limited, so rear occupants cannot stretch their legs underneath them. It is also a bit tight for three adults. While the cabin is well laid out, there is an odd feeling of crampiness that becomes noticeable when you spend a full day with the vehicle on long drives.