Nissan Tekton Mid-Size SUV Launch Pushed Back
The Tekton mid-size SUV is one of the most highly anticipated models that will be launched by Nissan in India. It was believed that it might be making its debut in April. However, recently, during an interview, the Managing Director of Nissan India has revealed that the launch of the Nissan Tekton has been pushed to June of this year. The good news, however, is that the Tekton is in its final stages of development, and it is no longer in concept form.
During a recent interview, Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan India, stated that the Tekton will be officially seen and driven by the middle of this year, around June. He added that the vehicle is in near-production form. Vatsa also highlighted that Nissan overall is currently in the “preparedness phase,” and the final validation and testing of the upcoming Tekton are underway.
According to the Nissan India Managing Director, the Tekton mid-size SUV is being positioned as an aspirational product. He added that it will stand out in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment with its strong visual identity and complete package differentiation. Vatsa highlighted that the Tekton will not just be incremental upgrades. Rather, it will be an all-new product with a new approach.
Talking about the design of the upcoming Tekton, Vatsa stated, “The styling is completely different, and we call it the baby Patrol because that vehicle is inspired by the Patrol styling.” For those who may not be aware, the Patrol is the full-size luxury SUV offering from Nissan, which is sold internationally and competes with Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser LC300, and other premium SUVs.
The upcoming Nissan Tekton will be based on the same CMF-B architecture as the new-generation Renault Duster. It will be offered with the same three powertrain options as the Duster. These will include the 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine making 100 bhp and 160 Nm of torque. This engine will only be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. It will cater to those who want fuel efficiency, lower entry pricing, and want to commute mostly in the city.
Then there will be the performance-oriented 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine. This motor will generate 162 bhp and 280 Nm of torque. It will be offered with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed wet dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This motor will be the most powerful in the mid-size SUV segment. It will offer a very strong mid-range punch for highway overtakes and loaded driving.
For those who may not be aware, this particular engine, which is codenamed the HR13 1.3L TCe, has been co-developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance along with Daimler (Mercedes-Benz). Lastly, the third powertrain option will be a 1.8-litre strong hybrid. It will use a 1.8-litre petrol engine, which will be assisted by two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which will make 160 bhp and 172 Nm of torque.
In terms of the features, it will come loaded to the brim. Its list will include a 10.25-inch digital instrument gauge cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker Arkamys audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electronic parking brake, a powered tailgate, and a panoramic sunroof.
Other notable highlights will include dual-zone climate control with rear AC vents, powered and ventilated front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, a 360-degree camera, 48-colour ambient lighting, Level 2 ADAS, and a ton of other creature comfort and safety features.
Once launched, it will take on the Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq facelift, and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun facelift as well.