Here’s Nissan’s new global SUV…
Nissan unveils the new Kicks SUV ahead of its official debut at the New York International Motor Show. The new Kicks SUV is larger in dimensions and shares a lot with the Mitsubishi XForce SUV sold in markets such as Indonesia.
New Nissan Kicks Platform
The previous Nissan Kicks had two different platforms depending on the market being sold in. It was underpinned by a B0 platform in markets like India. Renault Duster and Captur were also based on the same chassis. The North American and ASEAN specs were based on the V platform that also underpins the Nissan Micra and Sunny.
The new, second-generation Kicks brings a change to this, and is to be based on the Mitsubishi GS platform for all markets. It also shares a few body panels, interior components, some mechanicals and bodywork with the XForce SUV.
The Mitsubishi XForce is based on the GS Platform that has been in use for long. In addition to the SUVs mentioned above, the GS Platform is also used in the Nissan Xpander and Nissan Livina MPV sold in Indonesia.
The new Kicks will be sold in both Left-hand drive and right-hand drive markets and will serve as the entry point to the brand’s SUV lineup in many regions.
Styling, Interior And Features
The new Nissan Kicks shares some of its body panels (but with minor tweaks), including the door and roof, with the XForce. It also has the same glasshouse design and a tapering roofline. The wheel arches are chunky and get matte Black body cladding, and the higher variants get massive 19-inch wheels.
The SUV’s front end has horizontal LEDs neatly integrated into the black surrounds of the grille, and uniquely shaped LED taillamps that blend that go well with the tailgate design.
On the inside, Nissan claims the Kicks to be packed with more premium materials and tech than before. The 12.3-inch infotainment is the biggest highlight. The dashboard has a dual-layered design similar to the Xforce’s, but with better material quality. Other features to be expected are wireless charging, touch-based HVAC controls, USB C ports, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic sunroof, and BOSE audio with headrest-mounted speakers on higher variants.
Engine Specifications
The new Kicks is powered by a 2L inline-four engine that produces 139hp and 190 Nm. The higher variants come with AWD and a dedicated ‘Snow’ mode.
New Nissan Kicks Gets ADAS!
The new generation Kicks comes with a standard Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, including intelligent cruise control, while the top-of-the-line variants will get the Nissan ProPilot Assist system as an optional upgrade (Nissan’s version of lane keep assist).
Second Generation Nissan Kicks India Launch?
The outgoing Kicks had been on sale in India for several years, but it was a disaster in fetching numbers. While Nissan might consider bringing the new Kicks to India, the brand’s current sustenance here is based on the Magnite SUV.
Nissan will soon launch a new MPV based on the Renault Triber and could even bring its version of the new Duster to India. These being the ‘more certain’ launches from the Jap giant, it could be a long way before we see anything happening around the new Kicks India debut. Our previous list (prediction) of possible Nissan launches also stays clear of a Kicks comeback…
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