Inside the Launch of Nissan’s All-New Tekton
I attended the launch of the new Nissan Tekton at Gallagher Estate, and if there was one thing Nissan wanted to make clear throughout the event, it was that the brand is entering a new chapter in South Africa.
The setting certainly helped tell that story. Surrounded by Nissan models dating all the way back to the 1980s, alongside some of the brand's famous GT-Rs and Datsuns, there was quite a showing of Nissan's history under one roof. It was a proper reminder of just how long Nissan has been part of the South African motoring landscape.
Nissan South Africa also gave us a look at what is coming next. From the updated Navara to the new Patrol, which is set to bring a rather serious dose of power and luxury to the local range, there was plenty to look forward to. There was even the X-Trail Rock Creek making an appearance.
But we were not there for any of those cars. We were there for the Tekton.
And after seeing it in person, I can understand why Nissan has placed so much emphasis on this particular SUV. The Tekton immediately catches your eye. It has a clean, futuristic look and, despite being positioned in the compact SUV segment, it has a presence that makes it look like something much larger.
That is partly down to Nissan's decision to take inspiration from the new Patrol. The relationship between the two is obvious when you look at the front of the car, particularly the C-shaped lighting signature, squared-off bonnet and muscular front-end design. It gives the Tekton a more substantial appearance than you might expect from a vehicle in this segment.
Exterior
The all-new Nissan Tekton forms part of the company's renewed SUV focus in South Africa and arrives as one of the first markets to receive the model following its global reveal in India in June.
Built in Chennai, India, the Tekton is produced as part of Nissan's global export hub supplying 50 markets across the Middle East and Africa. Nissan says the model has been developed around the needs of customers in some of the world's most competitive SUV markets, with South Africa playing an important role in the company's wider African strategy.
The Tekton is also significant because it gives Nissan a new entrant in one of the most fiercely contested parts of the South African market. The company describes its target customer as young families making their first move up, and the vehicle has therefore been designed to combine SUV styling with practicality, technology and a relatively accessible price point.
The Tekton is available exclusively with turbocharged petrol power, with two engines offered across the range. The entry-level 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder produces 74 kW and 160 Nm and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
The more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 120 kW and 260 Nm, with drive sent to the front wheels through a dual-clutch transmission.
On the design front, the Patrol influence is clear. The Tekton features a full-width chrome-accented grille, squared-off bonnet and fenders, sculpted body lines, flush roof rails and C-shaped LED lighting at both ends. All models receive LED lights front and rear, while buyers can choose between 17- and 18-inch wheels. Ground clearance stands at 212 mm, adding to the SUV's more substantial stance.
Interior
Inside, Nissan has gone for a combination of technology and everyday practicality. The Tekton offers 700 litres of luggage space, increasing to 1,789 litres with the rear seats folded. Every model comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a fully digital instrument cluster.
There is also a chunky electronic gear selector with paddle shifters, while an electronic parking brake is fitted to all models except the entry-level Visia 1.0.
The higher-specification Tekna and Tekna+ models add features including dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, push-button start, ventilated front seats, luxury leatherette upholstery and a powered driver's seat. The range-topping Tekna+ also gets a powered tailgate and an exclusive two-tone exterior finish.
Safety is another major part of the package. Six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with all-round disc brakes, hill-start assist, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and tyre-pressure monitoring are standard across the range.
Higher grades add a Multi View Camera, rain-sensing wipers and a range of driver assistance systems, including Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition, Front Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.
The Drive
We also got the opportunity to drive the Tekton during the launch, although it was admittedly a short drive and nowhere near enough time for me to give the car a proper verdict. My first impression, however, was positive.
The Tekton felt good on the road and, based on that initial drive, I would say it is a better drive than many of the cars I have experienced in this segment. The 1.3-litre turbocharged engine felt punchy enough for the car, and the overall driving experience felt suitably refined.
But I want to spend much more time with it before making any serious claims about how good it actually is. A short launch drive can give you a first impression, but it cannot tell you everything about a car. Ride quality, fuel consumption, how it behaves in traffic, highway refinement, practicality and the little things you only notice after living with a vehicle for several days will all need to be tested properly.
That will come later in a full review. For now, the first drive has certainly left me interested in finding out more.
Pricing
Nissan has launched the Tekton in South Africa with five derivatives, giving buyers a fairly broad spread of specifications and powertrains.
The range starts with the Tekton 1.0 Visia Manual at R339,999, while the 1.3 Visia DCT costs R399,999. The 1.3 Acenta DCT is priced at R459,999, followed by the 1.3 Tekna DCT at R499,999 and the range-topping 1.3 Tekna+ DCT at R529,999.
All models come with a mechanical warranty and roadside assistance valid for 150,000 km or six years, along with a service plan covering 60,000 km or two years.
Nissan's Bigger Picture
The Tekton was unveiled as part of Nissan South Africa's inaugural Festival of Nissan, a three-day event celebrating the company's 65-year history in the country while also showcasing where the brand is heading next.
For Nissan, the Tekton is just one part of a much larger product offensive. The new X-Trail has already arrived, while the upgraded Navara and eighth-generation Patrol are scheduled for South Africa during the current financial year. Further product launches are planned for FY27.
The company's leadership sees SUVs as a major part of Africa's automotive growth, with Mohamed Samad, Managing Director of Nissan Africa, describing the Tekton's arrival as an illustration of the evolution of Nissan's regional strategy.
“The launch of the all-new Nissan TEKTON in South Africa illustrates the evolution of our regional strategy: bringing globally relevant products to African customers, supported by strong market insight, a trusted dealer network and a commitment to long-term value,” says Samad.
For Juan Wheeler, Managing Director of Nissan South Africa, the Tekton also arrives at an important moment for a brand with six and a half decades of local history.
“South Africans know Nissan. For 65 years, our vehicles have been part of daily life, and with that legacy comes the responsibility to introduce models that speak to the real needs of this market,” says Wheeler.
Ramy Mohareb, Head of Brand and Communications at Nissan Africa, says the Tekton has been designed to stand out through its Patrol-inspired design, connectivity, practicality and turbocharged performance.
“The Tekton with its bold Patrol-inspired design, smart connectivity, practical space and confident turbocharged performance, is crafted to stand out,” says Mohareb.
And after seeing the Tekton in person and getting a brief opportunity to drive it, I can see why Nissan is putting so much behind it.
The design certainly gives it presence, the specification sheet is competitive and that first drive was promising. Whether it can actually stand out in one of South Africa's most competitive SUV segments is something I will need considerably more time behind the wheel to determine.
For now, though, the Tekton has made a good first impression. And considering how much of Nissan's future was on display at Gallagher Estate, it looks like this is only the beginning of a much bigger comeback story for the brand in South Africa.
