Even though South Africans have been known as a tough crowd to please, over the years this has changed whenever a brand has shown some kind of commitment, like fully immersing itself in the market by continuing to supply customers with products and fighting against things like being forced to close up shop locally. And so, we see Nissan on the right path to winning the hearts of South Africa over and keeping them properly glued to their seats with the launch of the all-new Tekton.
The launch of this new model, which debuts only in South Africa as the model's first global introduction, comes as Nissan's initiation of their RE: Nissan strategy. President of Nissan Africa, Jordi Villa, came on stage to refresh the media on the brand's new four-point global strategy that aims to strengthen the brand's heartbeat, core values, growth, and partnership.
Partnership
Since closing shop at Rosslyn, Nissan will now rely heavily on importing products from other markets. However, in an effort to reduce the effects this will have on pricing, the manufacturer has sought to utilize the closest factories and partner with other brands that use these importers, like Renault in India.
That's right, the Nissan Tekton is actually closely related to the Renault Duster, through a strategic brand alliance, both models share the same CMF-B platform in the India-based manufacturing plant. However, Nissan has assured the media that even though these two share parts, there will be added distinctions to set the car apart from the Duster.
The introduction of the Tekton
This new Tekton model is set to position itself right in between the Nissan Magnite and X-Trail models as the brand's first proper shot at the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross, the newly launched Hyundai Creta, and Haval Jolions in the mid-size crossover SUV segment, just to name a few.
So it shares a platform with the Duster, does it look like it?
Nissan was determined to give this car a signature, on-brand look while ensuring that it is not identical to the Duster. Up front, the Tekton features its own redesigned face that flaunts C-shaped, LED-connected headlamps with daytime running lights that resemble the setup found on the soon-to-launch locally V6 Patrol.
The Tekton is available in a wide range of colors, including two-tone Pearl White, Red, Silver, Blue, and Moonbow (Grey) for the Tekna and Tekna+ models.
The side view is where the car reveals its similarity, as it shares the same exact dimensions, measuring 4,349 mm in length, 1,815 mm in width, and 1,674 mm in height (including roof rails), which is not a bad thing at all. This only means that, with it, the Tekton also gains a quite comfortable and competent light off-roader, thanks to the 212 mm ground clearance.
The rear of the vehicle also comes close but manages to differentiate itself in its own way, thanks to the SynchroFlow C-shaped connected LED tail lamps. Lower down, the rear look is finished off by a double-C contrast skid plate, and for the side, there is a choice of 17-inch and 18-inch wheels.
Turbo power for the engine options
There will be just two engines to choose from within the Tekton model range. The first being a 1.0l petrol 3 cylinder that is good for 74kW and 160nm that will be paired to a 6 speed manual gearbox (exclusively for the entry-level Visia MT base model) which has somewhat become a rarity to find. The latter choice brings more grunt in the form of a 1.6l petrol engine that outputs 115 kW and 260 Nm via 6-speed wet-clutch Dual-Clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
A quite familiar affair in the cabin
The Tektons cabin borrows almost everything from the Duster whilst only changing graphics displayed on screen, a interior color option and badging. This means that the cabin features a join setup of screens that are your 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a fully digital instrument cluster.
Some more features include, a chunky e-shifter gear lever with paddle shifters and exclusive to Visia 1.0, you will have an electronic parking brake. Higher grades (Tekna and Tekna+) add some more premium amenities such as dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, push-button start, ventilated front seats for the driver and front passenger,, a powered driver’s seat and an exclusive two-tone exterior paint scheme which features a Rose Gold, White and Burgundy color combo.
Uncompromising safety and driver assistance
Across the entire range, safety equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with all-round disc brakes, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and tyre-pressure monitoring.
Higher trim levels elevate protection further with a Multi View Camera, rain-sensing wipers and an advanced suite of driver assistance systems (ADAS). These active technologies include Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition, Front Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.
Range
Five Nissan TEKTON models are available immediately:
Nissan TEKTON 1.0 Visia (Manual) – R339 999
Nissan TEKTON 1.3 Visia (DCT) – R399 999
Nissan TEKTON 1.3 Acenta (DCT) – R459 999
Nissan TEKTON 1.3 Tekna (DCT) – R499 999
Nissan TEKTON 1.3 Tekna+ (DCT) – R529 999
All models are sold with a comprehensive mechanical warranty with roadside assistance valid for 150 000km or 6 years and a service plan for 60 000km and 2 years.
Conclusion
Nissan wants to make sure that word is out that they are not leaving Mzansi. They called the introduction of the Tekton the beginning of more models to come they also revealed that there are some more exciting launches incoming for the first quarter of 2027. The first reveal shared was of a new off-road-based X- Trail trim called the Rock Creek edition, with the second being the highly anticipated introduction of the Nissan Patrol.