AUTONEWS

Why do drivers in Europe pay twice as much?! The Nissan Tekton costs €17,000 in the Middle East

Major automotive brands are once again playing a double game in the global market! While European buyers have to shell out a fortune for newer crossovers, the Japanese giant Nissan has prepared something fantastic for other markets—the Tekton model! This attractive SUV—essentially a rebadged and heavily restyled Indian Renault Duster—is taking the world by storm.

It is now arriving in the Middle East in a left-hand-drive version, featuring a powerful turbo engine and equipment levels that Europeans in this price range can only dream of! After debuting in India this July, the Nissan Tekton continues its global expansion. The exterior design of the export version boasts a distinctive, aggressive stance inspired by the company's flagship off-roader, the iconic Patrol.

Signature LED lights, massive bumpers, concealed rear door handles, and a generous ground clearance of 212 mm give it a commanding road presence. With a length of 4,348 mm and 18-inch wheels, the Tekton makes it clear that it is no mere city poser.

Under the hood lies a serious asset: a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 153 hp and 278 Nm of torque, paired with a modern six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In India, it is offered with a manual transmission and a more modest 100 hp 1.0-liter turbo engine, featuring front-wheel drive exclusively.

The crossover's interior is a highlight in itself. The cabin is dominated by a unified display setup comprising a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch multimedia screen. The equipment list rivals that of much more expensive European premium models: features include a panoramic roof, ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power tailgate, wireless charging, and a cooled storage compartment for drinks in the center armrest. Safety is ensured by a 360-degree camera system, six airbags, adaptive cruise control, and advanced systems for automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.

However, the biggest sticking point for buyers in Europe is the price! Sales of the new Nissan Tecton are set to begin in the Middle East before the end of the year with a starting price of around $19,500—or €17,000—an amount that wouldn't even buy the base version of a Dacia Duster in Serbia! For a vehicle of this size, boasting 153 horsepower, an automatic transmission, and a generous equipment package, this figure seems like science fiction compared to European price lists. Manufacturers are once again proving that they produce cars of equal quality—yet drastically lower prices—under new names for other markets, leaving Europe to pay a heavy "premium" and steep margins.