Nissan has officially introduced the Tekton, a new subcompact SUV built in India and destined for more than 50 markets worldwide.
The name, derived from Greek, means “craftsman” or “builder.”
The Tekton is a sibling to the locally produced Renault Duster, which itself is a rebadged version of the Dacia Duster.
It rides on the CMF-B platform widely used within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.
Design and Dimensions
According to Nissan, the Tekton “draws design inspiration from the Patrol (Armada),” combining a strong SUV stance with unmistakable Nissan styling cues.
In reality, it retains the Duster’s basic silhouette but features a redesigned front end with a large chrome-accented grille, vertical bumper intakes, and aluminum-style skid plate inserts.
The profile is largely carried over from its Renault and Dacia siblings, distinguished by different side gills and multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
At the rear, changes are limited to LED taillight graphics and a tweaked bumper with faux aluminum trim.
The Tekton measures 4,348 mm (171.2 in) in length on a 2,657 mm (104.6 in) wheelbase, with 212 mm (8.3 in) of ground clearance and 518 liters (18.3 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the seats.
Interior and Features
The dashboard layout resembles the Renault Duster, but the Tekton gets unique trim and color combinations. The flagship trim features white and purple upholstery with copper accents.
The digital cockpit includes a 10.1-inch infotainment display and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster mounted on the same panel.
Higher trims add a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, a power tailgate, and ventilated seats.
Six airbags are standard across the range, and upper trims come with Level 2 ADAS.
Powertrain and Drivetrain
The Tekton is powered by two non-electrified turbocharged gasoline engines.
The entry-level turbo 1.0-liter three-cylinder produces 100 hp (75 kW / 101 PS) and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The more potent turbo 1.3-liter four-cylinder generates 161 hp (120 kW / 163 PS) and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Unlike the European Dacia Duster, which offers all-wheel drive, the Tekton is front-wheel drive only.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing starts at 10.49 Rs lakh ($11,000) for the entry Visia trim with the 1.0-liter engine and six-speed manual, matching the introductory price of the Renault Duster.
The flagship Tekna+ with the 1.3-liter engine and dual-clutch automatic tops out at 18.59 Rs lakh ($19,500).
Developed and built at Nissan’s Chennai facility alongside alliance partner Renault, the Tekton will be exported to 50 markets across the Middle East and Africa.
In India, it competes with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, and VW Taigun.
