The Japanese car maker has now revealed a lot about its new offering including the interior of the car. Nissan has also finally announced that its Kicks compact crossover will see a global premiere on the opening day of the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil, a teaser of the Kicks compact SUV was released by the Nissan recently. The car, which was first showcased as a concept in 2014 Sao Paolo Auto Show, is based on the 2012 Nissan EXTREM concept as well, is intended to sell primarily in Brazilian and other Latin American automotive markets before being launched internationally.
The Kicks compact crossover isn't a sub-compact SUV but is 31mm shorter in length compared to the Nissan Terrano. The car could underpin the same V-Platform as the Nissan Micra and Nissan Sunny. It's fair to say that the Nissan could potentially consider bringing the Kicks to India. Firstly, given the boom India is facing in the compact SUV segment. Secondly, Nissan would be looking to phase out the Terrano that has failed to generate volumes, leave alone replicate the success of its Renault cousin, Duster.
In terms of design, the car features a sporty stance, angular floating glasshouse, muscular bumpers, roof rails, an attractive V-shaped front grille, high-ground clearance and SUV-like stance. The concept came with dual-tone exteriors while complementing dual-tone alloys, an oblong grille and sleek headlamps further added to the sporty feel of the purported sub-4 meter SUV.
The Kicks' interior is as young looking as its exterior design. The dual-tone dashboard has been designed well with large touchscreen infotainment in the center and the automatic climate control under it. Right above the screen is sleek AC vents, however, it’s the AC louvers towards the edge of the dash that really impress, (do we see a hint of the C-Class there?). Then there’s the semi-digital instrument cluster that has real-time fuel efficiency, trip meters, odometers and more necessary information. The flat bottom steering wheel looks sport and has a neat touch of brushed aluminum on it.
In the engine department, Nissan is yet to reveal any powertrain details. The Kicks could be powered by either a 1.6-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre diesel engine unit, both of which are currently doing rounds in the Nissan Sunny and Nissan Terrano although alternative reports have suggested that it could feature the 3- and 4-cylinder petrol engines currently in use on the Nissan Micra and Juke. The Kicks will be built at Nissan's Resende Industrial Complex in Brazil where the March and Versa, which are internationally also known as the Micra and Almera, are produced. The compact crossover SUV will initially be sold exclusively in South American markets before eventually being launched globally. Source
In the engine department, Nissan is yet to reveal any powertrain details. The Kicks could be powered by either a 1.6-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre diesel engine unit, both of which are currently doing rounds in the Nissan Sunny and Nissan Terrano although alternative reports have suggested that it could feature the 3- and 4-cylinder petrol engines currently in use on the Nissan Micra and Juke. The Kicks will be built at Nissan's Resende Industrial Complex in Brazil where the March and Versa, which are internationally also known as the Micra and Almera, are produced. The compact crossover SUV will initially be sold exclusively in South American markets before eventually being launched globally. Source
Stay tuned for more updates!