India-spec 2019 Nissan Kicks has larger dimensions emphasising interior space; will rival Hyundai Creta and Tata Harrier
Nissan Motor India had long been anticipated to reveal its Kicks premium SUV in the domestic market and it has finally done so today ahead of its launch in January 2019 when one of its chief rivals Tata Harrier will also grace showrooms. The Kicks will play a main role in Nissan’s plans to enhance profitability, expansion into tier 3 and 4 and doubling network in next three years.
The Japanese manufacturer is also studying the launch of e-power technology and leadership in EVs while Datsun will continue to appeal for mass market customers. The Kicks SUV has been around for more than two years in the international scenes and is based on V platform but the India-specific premium SUV has its differences compared to the global model.
It is based on the same M0 architecture than underpins Terrano and Duster, and is longer and taller for enhanced interior and head room in comparison to the Kicks sold in United States, Europe and Middle East. The bigger dimensions are achieved courtesy of the longer wheelbase. It measures 4,384 mm in length – 89 mm longer than the global model – with 1,813 mm width and 1,656 mm height and longer wheelbase of 2,673 mm.
Nissan has prepared the Kicks focussing on buyers’ requirements and presumably the company would have learned a thing or two from the underwhelming response received for its Renault Captur cousin. The Nissan Kicks will compete against the likes of segment-leading Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur, upcoming Tata Harrier and Kia SP concept based production model among others.
The road-going Kicks made its global debut as official car for Rio Olympics in 2016 and is aiming to make a lasting impact in our market as well. On the outside, the India-spec Kicks stays similar to the global version that was designed by Nissan Design America (NDA) in California and Nissan Design America (NDA-R) in Brazil. Due to the longer wheelbase, we can expect the boot volume to have grown from international version’s 432 litres along with higher ground clearance.
It boasts the signature V motion honeycomb mesh front grille with chrome surrounds, slim sweptback projector headlamps with boomerang-styled LED Daytime Running Lights, wide air inlet, masculine front and rear bumpers, smooth flowing lines on the sides, horizontal LED fog lamps, prominent wheel arches and skid plates, blackened A and C pillars, sporty floating roofline, shark fin antenna, 17-inch wheels, wing mirrors with turn indicators, roof rails, etc.
Nissan has kept the interior under wraps but it will have same design theme as global model with premium features and upmarket finishes. It will gain an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, satellite navigation, steering mounted controls for audio and other functions, cruise control, push button start & stop, keyless entry, reverse parking camera, large colour multi-info display, automatic climate control and so on.
An assortment of safety features likely be available ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), multiple airbags, EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), Creep Control and Hill Start Assist.
The Brazil Kicks uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder flex-fuel engine but it will likely continue to be powered by the same 102 bhp 1.5-litre petrol and 108 bhp 1.5-litre diesel powertrains as in Terrano. Transmission choices could include five-speed petrol manual, petrol CVT auto and six-speed diesel manual.
2019 Nissan Kicks Images
