Nissan Tekton: R$ 55 compact SUV shares origin with Duster

Nissan has unveiled the Tekton, a compact SUV aimed at emerging markets that will be manufactured in India and exported to more than 50 countries, with a focus on the Middle East and Africa. The model draws attention for its aggressive entry price — the equivalent of US$ 11 thousand (about R$ 56 thousand) — but its architecture is old known to the global public.

It uses the CMF-B platform, which is widely used in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. The name has Greek roots and refers to “craftsman” or “builder”. According to Nissan, the design is inspired by the grandeur of the Patrol, but, in practice, what is seen is an aesthetic adaptation: the SUV preserves almost all the lateral silhouette of the platform brothers and changes only the front, inherited from the Patrol, the rear bumper and finishing details to print the identity of the Japanese brand.

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The dimensions are within the segment average: they are 4,348 m long, 2,657 m wheelbase, 21,2 cm of ground clearance and 518 liters of trunk.

Inside, the resemblance to the Duster remains in the dashboard layout, although Nissan has adopted its own color and material combinations — the top-of-the-line version bets on white and purple upholstery with copper details. The technological package brings together a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch multimedia center, mounted on the same set. In the most expensive configurations, a panoramic sunroof, induction charger, electric trunk and ventilated seats are included. Six airbags are standard, and the upper trims feature level 2 driving assistants.

Under the hood, simplicity reigns. The Tekton is offered only with front-wheel drive, unlike the European versions of the Dacia, and without the hybrid option of the Renault. The engines are turbocharged gasoline: a 1.0-liter three-cylinder with 101 hp, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission, and a 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 163 hp, which can receive a manual or automated dual-clutch transmission, both six-speed. The top version, the Tekna+, starts at US$ 19,5 thousand (about R$ 100 thousand).

Produced at the Chennai plant alongside partner Renault, the Tekton competes in a competitive segment in India, with rivals such as Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq and VW Taigun. There is no forecast for the model to arrive in Brazil, where Nissan remains focused on other products in its global lineup.