Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is since mid-2016 the first global bet of the Japanese company created and developed in Latin America. It was launched during the Rio Olympic Games, an event for which it was one of the main sponsors. Outside of Latin America, a production line is already in operation in Guangzhou, China.
The Kicks concept is purely urban, although without neglecting the potential of cars for travel and tourism. It came to reinforce the Crossover section of the Japanese-flagged automaker, a segment that already counts the Nissan Juke and the Qashquai among its leaders.
The design and performance of this vehicle are included precisely halfway between these two models.
Exterior design
This Mini SUV continues the philosophy of cars that offer luxury at affordable prices that prevailed with the last generations of the Nissan March.
Its exterior line has the now classic chrome V-shaped grille that crowns the front area of the brand’s cars. 3D headlights protruding from the body are also included (Full LED on some versions).
It is available in seven different shades. Namely: silver, cobalt blue, orange, gray, pearl red, black and pearl white.
Another exterior design feature that stands out from the Nissan Kicks is its roof. Seen from the outside, it gives the impression of floating above the bodywork. Aluminum wheels accompany the rims that, depending on the version, can be 16 “or 17”.
Nissan Kicks: three versions, one car
Sense , Advance and Exclusive. These are the three options available to the public at dealerships.
All models have the same measurements : 4.3 meters long, 1.8 wide and 1.6 high. It is mounted on the CMF ( Common Module Family) platform , developed by Renault for B-segment cars.
It is a vehicle that offers comfort in terms of its internal layout. Passengers have enough space in the cabin to travel in comfort. And when it comes to transporting a lot of luggage, with the rear row of seats folded down, there are 432 liters for cargo.
Equipment and interior design
On all Nissan Kickcs models, the central information panel features analog (the speedometer) and digital systems. The center console has a USB port for connecting external devices for playing music files.
To start the vehicle’s engine, just press the brake and press the power button.
The Exclusive version has a 7 ”touch screen for information and entertainment tasks. It has a browser that offers passengers relevant information regarding gas stations, ATMs, restaurants and other places of interest.
The monitor also allows you to view the image captured by the rear camera and select the musical environment. Compatible with Apple’s Android Auto and CarPlay systems.
Six front airbags, as well as supplementary bags on the sides and a roof curtain, are part of the safety options.
But the best thing about the interior of the Nissan Kicks is its fully soundproofed cabin. During tours, ambient noise will no longer be a problem.
Mechanics and engines
Despite how discreet the Kicks may look, this small utility’s engine is not lacking in power.
It has a capacity of 1.6 liters and offers a power of 120 horsepower. To reduce friction and extend the life of the machine, the pistons have a special coating layer.
On the Sense and Advance models, the transmission can be either a five-speed manual or automatic. The Exclusive version only has the second option available.
Other features included only in the most luxurious model include: Hill Start Assist and Active Trace Control , which is designed to slow down and improve stability in tight turns.
Also exclusive to the top version are the Active Engine Brake and Active Ride Control systems . The former automatically shifts the transmission speed to a lower speed in the event of an expedited downshift requirement. The second is responsible for completely stopping the advance of the vehicle in the event of a collision.
