We sample the Nissan Tekton in Cape Town. CAR Editor Ian McLaren reports back. First impressions here…
What are we driving and why is it significant?
After selling its Rosslyn Plant to Chery, Nissan South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to the market, planning to operate solely as an importer. Fortunately, this Japanese brand’s established alliance with Renault and Mitsubishi, which includes platform sharing and manufacturing facilities in India, means continued availability of products like the popular entry-level Magnite and now the introduction of the Tekton compact SUV, with which to steady the ship. The forthcoming new Patrol will be imported from Japan, and the current Navara (not the new, Mitsubishi Triton-based one) arrives from Thailand.
What’s new on the Nissan Tekton?
Named after the Greek word for craftsman, if the Tekton’s proportions look familiar, that’s because it shares its underpinnings, powertrains, major components, and, indeed, its Chennai production line with the recently introduced updated Renault Duster. Nissan has thankfully had a say in the styling of its contender and, as it happens, also has its big brother, the all-new Patrol, to establish a connection with.
Nissan South Africa offers the Tekton in four grades, with all but the entry-level Visia fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Acenta, Tekna, and flagship Tekna+ driven here also get a panoramic sunroof, with the latter distinguished by its black contrast roof. Interestingly, while Renault lists a carrying capacity of 50 kg on the Duster’s raised roof rails, the Nissan’s more integrated items carry a “do not load” warning.
It’s a pity there’s no obvious distinction, apart from the badge on the steering wheel, between the Tekton and Duster’s interiors, yet there’s little to fault with the ergonomics or, indeed, the perceived build quality of these two new compact-SUV contenders. Highlights include the steering wheel’s shape and feel, the fit and functionality of the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, the placement of the wireless mobile phone dock, and the myriad storage options, including a ventilated centre console and large door pockets. Smartphone pairing is via wireless connection. If there’s one minor gripe, the camera feed’s resolution, linked to the 360-degree parking assistance, could be crisper.
As in the Duster, the shape and size of Nissan’s impressively comfortable front seats (with ventilation in the high-spec cars) impede on rear passenger legroom. Thankfully, headroom is generous, and we appreciate the inclusion of dedicated air vents and USB ports for this row. The Tekton’s luggage compartment is similarly generous in size, and accommodates a full-size spare wheel, like its sister car.
While the Duster and Tekton ranges are priced similarly, a standalone Tekna+ derivative carries a R30 000 premium and, together with its bespoke exterior colour scheme, adds an electric tailgate and premium-looking burgundy and rose-gold interior trim, including on the faux leather upholstery.
What does the Nissan Tekton cost?
While the Acenta specification feels like the sweet spot in the Tekton range, it’s interesting to note Nissan includes a six-year/150 000 km warranty and four-year/60 000 km service plan, while the similarly-equipped, yet slightly more affordable Duster Techno+ (R439 999) ships with a five-year/150 000 km warranty and three-year/45 000 km service plan. Nissan’s local dealer network is also more established.
- Nissan Tekton 1.0T T160 Visia — R339 999
- Nissan Tekton 1.3T T260 Visia — R399 999
- Nissan Tekton 1.3T T260 Acenta — R459 999
- Nissan Tekton 1.3T T260 Tektna — R499 999
- Nissan Tekton 1.3T T260 Tenkna+ — R529 999
What are the Nissan Tekton’s rivals?
This is a fiercely competitive segment, with the Tekton competing both against its Renault Duster twin and the likes of the Chery Tiggo Cross, Honda Elevate, Kia Seltos, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Hyundai Venue, Suzuki Across, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and VW T-Cross.
What is Nissan Tekton like to drive?
The entry-level Nissan is available with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine paired with a manual gearbox. The rest of the range features a turbocharged 1.3-litre unit matched with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. An impressively capable and refined powertrain co-developed with Mercedes-Benz; in this application, steering wheel-mounted paddles are a welcome addition, especially during overtaking manoeuvres, as a means to negate a notable amount of turbo lag, with the driver able to pre-empt downshifts.
While our DTM Helderberg dealership-sourced Tekton test unit was slightly slower (0-100 km/h in 11.1 seconds compared with 10.74 seconds) and thirstier (a 7.90 L/100 km compared with 7.45 L/100 km on our standardised fuel route) than the flagship Duster tested in our November issue, this can be chalked up to our Nissan’s still-box-fresh mechanicals. Nissan South Africa was in no rush to loan us an official test unit.
It’s arguably more disappointing for its loyal following that the venerable Duster is no longer available in all-wheel-drive than the Nissan, yet 212 mm ground clearance at least opens the door to a modicum of all-terrain driving, as well as the ability to tackle potholes and pavements. Tekna and Tekna+ specifications in the Nissan add hill descent control, too.
On this, the default ride quality on both packages is commendable, finding a considered middle ground between comfort and body control. All-around visibility is excellent, and the combination of a tight turning circle and dramatically sculpted bonnet, so you know exactly where the centre line is, makes the Tekton easy to manoeuvre.
We also appreciate the one-touch access to a “Perso” driving mode, which can be customised to a preferred (of two options) steering “weight”, while deactivating otherwise relatively intrusive ADAS systems, including lane-keeping assistance.
Verdict
For a brand with more than 60 years of legacy in the South African market, the past 24 months have revealed a few harsh realities for Nissan’s local office. While the ceasing of production, and thus sales, of the venerable NP200 in 2024 brought an abrupt halt to this market’s love affair with half-tonne bakkies – a romance that began with the likes of the Nissan 1400 “Champ” – few would have foreseen that the brand’s entire Rosslyn production line, including the local assembly of the Navara, would similarly grind to a halt just a few years later. The absence within its modern portfolio of characterful products like the Juke and Qashqai has also left a massive gap between the budget Magnite and the modern X-Trail, which, while impressive in isolation, struggles in its hotly contested segment.
Though closely related to the Duster, the Tekton gives Nissan’s local operations a timely boost in terms of once again offering a genuinely characterful contender in the all-important compact SUV segment. Parked together, we’d suggest the Renault, with the colourful trim accents on our Iconic test unit, might appeal to a younger audience, with the Nissan’s cleaner lines offering a more conservative, assured stance. Either way, with both ranges including compelling entry-level price points, impressive perceived quality and assured driving manners, these siblings deserve to be taken seriously.
Nissan Tekton 1.3T T260 Tekna+ specifications
- Price: R529 999
- Engine: 1.3-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
- Transmission: six-speed dual-clutch
- Driven wheels: front
- Power: 115 kW
- Torque: 260 N.m
- Fuel consumption: 6.3 L/100 km (claimed)
- CO2 emissions: 119 g/km (claimed)
