Nissan Tekton SUV trademarked for Australia

The nameplate of the soon-to-be-revealed Nissan Tekton has been submitted for local trademarking, suggesting the new small SUV is under consideration for Australian showrooms.

As a twin to the recently launched Renault Duster, the Tekton should sport very similar dimensions to its donor (4345mm x 1813mm x 1650mm) while brandishing a “Patrol-inspired” exterior design.

This would slot it perfectly between the existing Juke and Qashqai while offering a more rugged flavour than the two distinctly urban-based crossovers.

One key difference is that while the Duster hails from Romania, the Tekton will be built in India.

Given it’s yet to be revealed, engine choices remain a mystery, but the Duster offers a front-drive 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol (7sp DCT) and an all-paw 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol (6sp manual).

Obstacles to the Tekton’s introduction could include safety – the Duster has just a three-star Euro NCAP rating – and whether it can wear Nissan Australia’s 10-year/300,000km warranty.

Given the Duster’s more adventurous intent compared to most other compact SUVs, the Tekton provides a surprisingly ideal opportunity for an expansion of Nissan’s Warrior range.

While locally-fettled versions of the next-generation Navara and Y63 Patrol may continue, both Nissan and Premcar have expressed an interest in diversifying the portfolio if the right base product presented itself.

Nissan Oceania managing director Andrew Humberstone previously told carsales: “I think the relationship we have is a solid one and obviously when it comes to future product it’s not something we talk about openly. But obviously we are in discussion with Bernie and team about future product and what we can do going forward.”

While Nissan has plenty of SUV options, Humberstone has previously expressed doubts about the suitability of any of the current products.

Premcar CEO Quinn meantime has said there are specific attributes any Warrior product must have: “Brand inviolables. We increase the bandwidth and capability, evoke emotion, be aspirational product. They are specific to the Warrior brand.”

If the Tekton matches the Duster’s 212mm of ground clearance – a standard Navara offers 220mm – it would be prime for some extra fettling and a tyre upgrade to increase its off-road ability, and the availability of a manual gearbox would likely only increase its appeal in this enthusiast segment.

Such a vehicle would give Nissan a chance at stealing some of the Suzuki Jimny’s thunder; almost 10,000 examples of the basic but popular off-roader were sold in 2024.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au