Image: Wikimedia Commons
Nissan Tekton: New Compact SUV Tested In The Himalayas
Nissan has introduced the Tekton compact SUV in India and showcased its confidence by conducting a 3‑day, 700 km media drive from Chandigarh to Leh over some of the toughest Himalayan roads. According to the Indian launch announcement, prices start around Rs 10.49 lakh ex‑showroom India for the base 1.0L turbo‑petrol and go up to Rs 18.59 lakh ex‑showroom for the fully‑loaded 1.3L turbo‑petrol DCT variant.
Converted to the Nepali context, this places the Tekton roughly in the same band as popular compact SUVs like Creta, Seltos and Elevate, once you add customs, excise and VAT.
What Is The Tekton?
- Engine options: 1.0L 3‑cylinder turbo‑petrol (manual only) and 1.3L 4‑cylinder turbo‑petrol with up to 163 PS and a 6‑speed manual or 6‑speed wet DCT automatic.
- Size/segment: Duster‑based compact SUV, with around 700L of boot space when loaded to the roof.
- Features (India spec): 18‑inch alloys, connected LED tail‑lamps, panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, rear AC vents, Google‑built‑in 10.1‑inch infotainment, 10.25‑inch digital cluster and keyless entry.
Media reports from the Himalayan drive note that the Tekton feels solid, with good ride quality and no rattles even on rough mountain terrain, although rear seat space is only average and cabin insulation could be better.
Nepal Angle: Will Tekton Come Here?
Nissan does sell vehicles in Nepal, but its SUV range has been limited since models like the Terrano disappeared from showrooms. Given that Nepal imports most mass‑market SUVs from India, any new compact SUV with proven Himalayan credentials is a logical candidate for future introduction.
There is no official confirmation yet of a Tekton launch in Nepal, but if Nissan decides to bring it, a realistic price band would likely start above Rs 45–50 lakh for lower variants and stretch past Rs 70 lakh for fully‑loaded turbo‑automatic trims, after duties.
For Nepali buyers, a Tekton launch would mean:
- Another strong‑engine, automatic compact SUV option against established Indian and Chinese rivals.
- A model specifically tested in high‑altitude Himalayan conditions, which matters for routes like Kathmandu–Pokhara, Mustang, or Far‑West hills.
- Potential pressure on competitors to offer more powerful turbo‑petrols and better equipment at similar price points.
Until Nissan Nepal makes an announcement, Tekton remains a promising India‑market SUV to watch, especially for buyers planning a new compact SUV purchase in the next 1–2 years.
Reported by the Nepal AutoMart news desk. Prices verified against Nepal AutoMart's own distributor-sourced data.
