New Delhi, Sept. 15 -- Nissan has been without a new car for years and the Magnite only has been selling in decent numbers but one product isn't enough. Well, after the Gravite, the carmaker has introduced it's new 4m plus SUV which is the Nissan Tekton and it is based on the new Renault Duster but with some extensive changes as well. Here we review and tell you if it's worth a buy.
Exterior
The Nissan Tekton is above 4m in length with dimensions which read as 4348mm, width of 1815mm and a wheelbase of 2657mm. It is a tall SUV and has imposing looks with a ground clearance of mm. The Tekton is based on the Duster but looks different with a new look front with the larger grille, muscular lines and a new big headlamp setup. It is similar in some aspects to the Patrol while the rear or the side has a clean but tough look which resonates. 18-inch alloys and a connected lighting setup further makes this a good-looking SUV. The paint finish is nice and the build quality is also good.
Interior and space
The interior is similar to the Renault Duster but has a different mix of colours which looks luxurious. The main touchscreen is a unit and while simple, it works and the digital instrument cluster is customisable but easy to read. The mix of purple and lighter colours adds to the sense of space. Features include a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, dual electric seats, powered handbrake, ventilated seats, in built Google navigation, 6 airbags and more.
The front seats are comfortable while the rear seats are spacious but fall short of a Creta or Victoris. The massive 700l boot is huge and class best while it is having a powered boot release too.
Driving experience
The Nissan Tekton comes with no diesel or naturally aspirated petrol as instead it has a 1.3 litre turbo petrol and a 1.0l turbo petrol. The 1.3l turbo has a DCT and a manual while the 1.0 has only a manual. The 1.0 with 100 bhp has some slight noise at start but has good enough low-end torque for city use while the clutch is light even if the gear shift is slightly heavy. We wish the 1.0 also came with an automatic gearbox.
The 1.3l turbo with 163bhp and 280Nm is a lot more powerful along with being fun to drive with its ample performance while the wet clutch DCT is smooth as well as responsive too. Paddle shifters further help the cause.
What we also liked is the superb ride and handling with the toughness along with suspension which comes with our roads very well. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Tekton isn't very efficient but alongside its rivals from 9-12 kmpl.
Which variant to buy?
While the 1.0 is priced less, the 1.3l DCT is recommended for its performance as well as smoothness with the variant being our choice.
Nissan Tekton Vs Duster and Creta, Seltos?
Against the Duster, the Tekton has a more premium looking interior and looks butch as well while prices are nearly the same. Against the Creta, the Tekton loses on space, no diesel and lack of choice but the Tekton looks more aggressive and more ground clearance plus the less price. Against the Seltos, the Tekton also has less space, features and choice but is cheaper to buy.
Verdict
The Tekton is a good value SUV but misses out on a CNG or lack of petrol automatic options for the 1.0 is also an issue. However, the looks, presence and capability makes this an interesting option.
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Read the full article: Nissan Tekton Review: Better choice over the Duster?
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from GaadiKey.