Nissan Tekton

Nissan is not going anywhere. That was the very clear message at the launch of the all-new Tekton. The small SUV is the second model to be introduced after the company sold its local manufacturing plant to the Chery Automobile group. The first was the updated X-Trail that was launched here a few months ago. With these models Nissan SA, and by extension the parent company, shows that it still holds the South African market in high regard.

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Showcase

Nissan launched the Tekton at an event in Johannesburg referred to as the Nissan Festival. In part, the event, which included all local and regional heads, as well as media from other countries in Africa, was to celebrate Nissan’s legacy in SA and on the continent. To celebrate this legacy there were many older models on show.

This included several GT-Rs from the very first ‘Hakosuka’ to the R35 generation. Other local staples such as 1400 and NP200 pick-ups, Skylines and Sentras sat alongside many modded Z cars. Nissan is keen to show that South Africans are fans of the brand and that more new models relevant to our market will be introduced over time.

Among these are the all-new Patrol. The luxury, go-anywhere seven-seat SUV will be introduced early next year. It will feature a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that delivers it power through all four wheels via an automatic transmission. A special-edition, more rugged Nissan X-Trail will also be added to the local portfolio.

New, but familiar

The Tekton is an all-new model for the Nissan brand in SA. It takes up station in between the Magnite and X-Trail. It has a face that shares design cues with the likes of the X-Trail and Patrol. 212 mm of ground clearance and roof racks show its adventurous side.

Eagle-eyed readers, and let’s face it Double Apex readers are the best in the business, would note a hint of familiarity around the rear three-quarter. That’s because the Tekton is based on the existing Renault Duster. The face maybe all-new, but the rear fenders, part of the ‘body-in-white’, remains unchanged from the Duster.

Digital Interior

The Tekton will be offered locally in five flavours. Each will have increasing levels of specification. At the very least, buyers can expect a 10,1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. As expected, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A fully digital instrument cluster sits behind steering-wheel paddle shifters.

Two Powertrains

Nissan SA has chosen to introduce the Tekton with two turbocharged engine options. The smaller, a 1,0-litre, unit is available eclusively with a manual transmission. It produces 74 kW/160 N.m and has a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5,9L/100 km. The larger engine is a 1,3-litre unit that delivers 115 kW/260 N.m. Choose this version and you can only have a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Nissan says this engine sips fuel at a rate of 6,4 L/100 km.

On the Road

We had a brief drive of the Tekton at the national media launch. A large media contingent and an uneven number of cars meant we didn’t have much time behind the wheel. Just a dozen kilometres behind the wheel around the Midrand area in afternoon traffic isn’t an ideal scenario to explore a new car.

However, we did note a light and easy steering action as well as a pretty resolved ride, dealing well with the numerous large potholes we encountered on the route, many of which are unavoidable. We shall reserve judgement until we have a test unit to drive on roads we know well.