By thatcar.co.za
We sometimes forget how special we are as a country.
Just to remind you, we are the first market to get the Nissan Tekton.
Here is what you need to know:
Nissan will launch a range of new models in South Africa this year and, to date, has introduced the new Nissan X-TRAIL, the upgraded Nissan Navara and the eighth generation of the iconic Nissan Patrol.
But before all of that, we get the TEKTON.
What’s that I hear you asking? Well, let us give you the 411…
Looks
The Tekton looks like its big brother, the Nissan Patrol.
Up front, signature C-shaped LED connecting headlamps with daytime running lights create a commanding identity that mirrors the upcoming new Nissan Patrol.
At the rear, the vehicle boasts powerful proportions, anchored by SynchroFlow C-shaped connected LED tail lamps and a double-C contrast skid plate.
All models in the line-up are equipped with LED lights, both front and rear.
Engines
It will come with two engines: a 1.0-litre and a 1.3-litre.
WAIT…
Both these engines are turbocharged.
The 1.0-litre produces 74 kW and 160 Nm of torque, while the 1.3-litre produces 120 kW and 260 Nm of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a responsive dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Think about it: the Golf GTI Mark 4 produced 110 kW, and I don’t remember anyone saying it lacked power!
Inside
All models feature a vibrant 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a fully digital instrument cluster and a chunky e-shifter gear lever with paddle shifters.
And, well, if you’ve got some change left in your pocket after buying this, you can opt for the higher-grade Tekna and Tekna+ models.
These throw in dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, push-button start, ventilated front seats for the driver and front passenger, luxury leatherette upholstery, a powered driver’s seat and an exclusive two-tone exterior paint scheme, with a powered tailgate — at a small fee.
*Wink wink.*
Safety
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.
Again, if you used that change in your pocket and bought a Tekna or Tekna+, you can get a Multi-View Camera, rain-sensing wipers and an advanced suite of driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including:
- Lane Keep Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Front Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control
Work harder, James
Price
- 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 150,000 km or six years, and a service plan for 60,000 km or two years.
Verdict
We like the looks.
The pricing is fair.
Some ESKOM inside it would be great for power — and fuel consumption.
So, we shall wait for Nissan to take us for a drive and we can give you a more detailed report
