KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Nissan Tekton base variant spotted testing in India
- Steel wheels and absence of roof rails indicate entry-level trim
- Likely to offer 1.0L and 1.3L turbo-petrol engines with hybrid option later
Nissan's upcoming mid-size SUV, the Tekton, has been spotted testing once again on Indian roads, offering fresh insights into the model ahead of its official debut. The latest set of spy images appears to show the base variant of the SUV undergoing road tests, hinting at how the entry-level trim of the Tekton could look when it arrives in showrooms. The Tekton will play an important role in Nissan's future strategy in India, as the brand attempts to re-establish its presence in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment. Read on to find out more details, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Nissan Tekton: Base Variant Clues From Spy Shots
The recently spotted test mule suggests that the brand is currently testing the lower-spec version of the Nissan Tekton. The biggest giveaway is the presence of steel wheels instead of alloy units, a common indicator of base variants. Additionally, the absence of roof rails further points towards a more entry-level trim. Despite being a base model, several design elements are visible in the spy shots. The SUV features C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, a styling cue also seen on the new-generation Renault Duster. At the rear, the Tekton appears to feature C-shaped LED tail lamps connected by a light bar, along with a prominent roof-mounted spoiler and a chunky rear bumper.
The Nissan Tekton will share its underlying architecture with the new-generation Renault Duster. This means it will likely sit in the 4.2-4.5 metre SUV category, placing it directly in the heart of India's mid-size SUV market. While exact dimensions are yet to be confirmed, it is expected to be similar in size to the latest Duster, which measures over 4.3 metres in length with a wheelbase exceeding 2.6 metres.
Features & Cabin Expectations
While the base variant seen in the spy images appears to miss out on features like a sunroof and rear wiper, the higher variants of the Tekton are expected to come equipped with a fairly comprehensive feature list. Potential highlights could include dual digital screens for infotainment and instrumentation, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone charging and dual-zone climate control. Nissan is also expected to equip the SUV with a Level 2 ADAS suite, bringing it in line with modern segment expectations.
Powertrain Options Expected
Although Nissan has not officially confirmed the powertrain lineup yet, the Tekton is widely expected to borrow the engine options from the upcoming Duster range. The entry-level variants are likely to feature a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing around 100 PS and 160 Nm, paired with a manual gearbox. Higher trims may offer a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering roughly 163 PS and 280 Nm, available with either a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 1.8-litre strong-hybrid powertrain is also expected to join the lineup later, offering improved efficiency and electrified driving capability.
Once launched, the Tekton will enter one of the most competitive segments in India. It will compete with established players such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, and Skoda Kushaq.
Verdict
The Tekton holds the potential to be the product that pulls Nissan from the shadows and place it right at the centre of the mid-size SUV space, something that is currently one of the most favoured segments of Indian buyers. Most importantly, sharing its architecture with a solid product like Duster only adds to the overall confidence that a buyer needs to go for it. However, for it to become of the star players, pricing, after sales service and the value for money quotient needs to be all in the right spots, something that Nissan will aim to achieve.
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