In a rare but exciting sight for auto enthusiasts, a Renault Duster/Nissan Tekton test mule was recently spotted struggling to make its way through the snow-covered roads of Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh. During this extreme cold-weather testing session, the prototype got stuck in deep snow, and in a twist that feels almost poetic, it was a Maruti Gypsy that came to its rescue.
The incident, caught on camera by local motorists, has since gone viral among car enthusiasts — not only for its interesting turn of events but also because it reveals key details about Renault and Nissan’s upcoming SUV collaboration for the Indian market.
Let’s dive deeper into what happened, what it tells us about the upcoming SUVs, and why the Maruti Gypsy’s role in this story has everyone talking.
The Scene at Rohtang Pass — Nature’s Toughest Terrain
At an altitude of nearly 13,000 feet, Rohtang Pass is one of the most challenging routes for vehicles in India. The steep climbs, unpredictable weather, and snow-covered surfaces make it an ideal location for cold-weather and high-altitude testing of upcoming vehicles.
Automakers often test their prototypes in such harsh environments to check performance, traction control, engine calibration, and suspension durability in extreme conditions. This is exactly what Renault and Nissan were doing with their new SUV prototypes, when things took a dramatic turn.
As per reports, one of the test vehicles — likely a Renault Duster or Nissan Tekton mule — lost traction while maneuvering through a snow-laden incline. Despite its all-wheel-drive system, the SUV couldn’t gain enough grip to move forward and became stuck in a snowbank.
Enter the Hero — Maruti Gypsy
Just when the test crew seemed to be in trouble, help came in the form of the legendary Maruti Gypsy — a name synonymous with ruggedness and reliability in Indian off-roading history. The Gypsy, which has served in the Indian Army and police forces for decades, once again proved why it remains the go-to rescue vehicle in remote terrains.
In videos shared online, the Gypsy can be seen towing the test mule out of the snow using a recovery rope. Despite its age and modest specifications, the Gypsy’s lightweight chassis, powerful 1.3-litre petrol engine, and proven 4×4 system handled the situation effortlessly.
This incident once again reinforces why the Maruti Gypsy continues to be respected as one of India’s toughest off-roaders — a true icon that can rescue even modern SUVs when nature gets rough.
Renault-Nissan Joint Development — What Was Being Tested?
The test mule spotted at Rohtang Pass is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s new SUV lineup for India. This joint project aims to introduce several new models under both brands, sharing platforms and technology while maintaining distinct styling and branding.
The prototype seen in the snow is believed to be either:
- The next-generation Renault Duster, or
- The Nissan Tekton, an all-new SUV that will share the Duster’s underpinnings.
Both SUVs will be built on the CMF-B modular platform, which supports both petrol and hybrid powertrains, and could potentially feature AWD configurations.
The testing at Rohtang Pass indicates that Renault and Nissan are preparing these models for real-world Indian conditions, including extreme terrain and high-altitude performance.
Key Highlights From the Test Mule
Even though the prototype was heavily camouflaged, several design cues and features were noticed by automotive enthusiasts:
- Chunky wheel arches and flared body panels, indicating a muscular, rugged stance.
- High ground clearance, ideal for Indian roads and off-road conditions.
- LED headlamps and DRLs, hinting at a modern front fascia.
- Large alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, confirming off-road intent.
- Roof rails and skid plates, suggesting an adventure-ready design language.
These features strongly suggest that both the Duster and Tekton will be aimed at customers looking for tough, go-anywhere SUVs — the kind that can tackle mountains and highways with equal ease.
A Test of Capability — But a Lesson in Terrain Mastery
The incident at Rohtang Pass may seem like a moment of failure for the test mule, but it’s actually a critical part of vehicle development. Automakers deliberately push their vehicles to the limits in such conditions to identify weaknesses and improve systems like:
- Traction control and all-wheel-drive calibration.
- Engine performance in low-oxygen environments.
- Brake and suspension reliability in cold weather.
- Tire grip and differential lock behavior.
By experiencing real-world challenges — even getting stuck — engineers gain valuable insights that make the final production version more robust and reliable.
The Symbolism — Old vs. New
The viral rescue scene at Rohtang Pass also carried an unexpected symbolism. On one hand, there’s the new-generation technology of Renault-Nissan’s upcoming SUVs — advanced, tech-heavy, and refined. On the other, there’s the Maruti Gypsy, a no-nonsense, mechanical beast from an earlier era, powered purely by simplicity and reliability.
This rare interaction between old-school engineering and modern innovation beautifully highlights India’s automotive evolution — where the Gypsy’s old-school grit meets the sophistication of next-gen SUVs.
Public Reaction — Internet Applauds the Gypsy
Once the images and videos surfaced online, auto enthusiasts flooded social media with comments praising the Gypsy’s continued dominance in tough terrains. Comments like “Old is Gold” and “Gypsy never gives up” trended across forums and X (formerly Twitter).
Many also viewed it as a reminder to manufacturers — no matter how advanced your tech gets, reliability and simplicity still win in the toughest conditions.
What This Means for the Upcoming Duster and Tekton
The Renault Duster is one of the most awaited SUVs to return to the Indian market. Known for pioneering the mid-size SUV segment over a decade ago, its new-generation version is expected to bring:
- Turbo-petrol and hybrid engines
- AWD system with improved traction control
- Modern interiors with digital cockpit
- Advanced safety and ADAS features
Similarly, the Nissan Tekton, built on the same platform, will offer a more futuristic design and slightly different positioning — likely appealing to tech-focused customers.
Both SUVs are expected to debut in mid-2025, with production set to begin at the Renault-Nissan Chennai plant.
Final Thoughts — A Moment That Defines Indian Automotive Spirit
The Rohtang Pass incident might seem like a simple rescue operation, but it perfectly captures India’s diverse automotive landscape. On one hand, it shows how global automakers are testing their latest technologies in India’s most extreme environments. On the other, it reaffirms the legacy of Indian icons like the Maruti Gypsy, which continue to prove their mettle even decades after production ended.
The next-gen Renault Duster and Nissan Tekton are shaping up to be capable, adventure-ready SUVs for Indian buyers. But until they officially launch, the Gypsy’s latest act of heroism reminds us that some legends never retire — they just keep rescuing the future.