Magnite getting a bigger brother: Indian-built Nissan Tekton confirmed for South Africa

With its affordable price tag, Nissan’s Indian-built Magnite has become one of South Africa’s most popular compact SUVs, and soon the carmaker will aim to emulate that success in the segment above that.

At the recent Red Sea drive event held in Egypt, Nissan Africa President Jordi Vila confirmed that the all-new Nissan Tekton would be launched in South Africa in 2026.

Set to be built in India, the new model will slot above the Magnite, serving as a (likely) more affordable replacement for the Qashqai, and going up against vehicles such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

The new vehicle has yet to be fully revealed, but the teaser images you see here do give us a strong indication of how it will look on the outside.

Created in partnership with Renault, it uses the same CMH-B underpinnings as the Renault Duster, but the Nissan’s exterior styling is unique, with pronounced rear fenders lending a sporty appearance. The front end, with its C-shaped headlights, was inspired by the Patrol.

Another interesting feature is the ‘Double-C’ shaped accent on the front doors, which incorporates a subtle mountain rain motif inspired by the Himalayas.

Technical specifications have yet to be revealed, but the new model is expected to be powered by the Renault-Nissan 1.3-litre turbopetrol engine. The vehicle will likely have a length of around 4.3 metres.

“The Nissan Tekton is going to be at the centre of Nissan Motor India’s resurgence story and offers a glimpse into the future of our product portfolio in the country,” said Nissan India’s Managing Director Saurbh Vatsa.

“With its commanding stance, bold looks and premium interiors, we are confident that it will be a segment disruptor, appealing to customers seeking a robust yet refined C-SUV. This model will spearhead Nissan’s growth story in India.”

IOL Motoring

Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now