Nissan has launched its new Tekton SUV in South Africa, marking the start of a broader product push as the brand reshapes its local business after ending vehicle production in the country.

Newsday reports that the India-built Tekton is the first in a series of new models Nissan plans to introduce as it strengthens its position in South Africa. The launch follows the sale of Nissan’s Pretoria manufacturing plant to Chery earlier this year.

Nissan South Africa’s official website lists the Tekton from R339,999. The model joins the Magnite and X-Trail in the brand’s local SUV line-up.

Tekton leads Nissan’s new product push

Speaking at the launch, Nissan Africa president Jordi Vila said ending manufacturing in South Africa allowed the company to use production capacity elsewhere and improve competitiveness, according to Newsday.

Nissan has also confirmed that the new X-Trail forms part of a wider rollout of fresh products for South Africa, with the Tekton among the models planned for the current financial year.

Cars.co.za reports that the Tekton is built in India on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-B platform and is positioned between the Magnite and X-Trail.

Five derivatives offered in South Africa

According to Nissan South Africa, the Tekton range includes five derivatives.

The entry-level 1.0T Visia MT uses a 1.0-litre turbo engine, while the other variants use a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Nissan lists the 1.3-litre engine at 115kW and 260Nm.

The official specifications also list 212mm of ground clearance, seating for five and 518 litres of luggage space behind the second row.

Nissan remains committed to South Africa

Nissan says it remains committed to the South African market despite ending local manufacturing.

The company has already introduced the latest X-Trail and, according to Newsday, plans further launches including an upgraded Navara and eighth-generation Patrol during the current financial year.

The Tekton therefore arrives as a key part of Nissan’s attempt to rebuild momentum through a broader imported vehicle range.