Nissan Kicks VS Maruti Suzuki S-Cross – Feature & Specs Comparison

Find out whether the soon to be launched Nissan Kicks SUV has what it takes to compete with its crossover rival the Maruti S-Cross

Nissan will be launching the new Kicks SUV in India in early 2019. While the Kicks is available for sale in some other International markets already, however, the Indian spec Kicks is different from the International spec vehicle. To begin with, the Indian spec Kicks underpin the BO platform which underpinned the Terrano SUV as well while the International spec vehicle uses much more modern Nissan’s V platform.

Like we already mentioned above the Nissan Kicks is slated for launch in the month of January 2019 and it will compete directly against the likes of Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Crossover. That said, we have compared the upcoming Nissan Kicks with the Maruti S-Cross on the basis of their features and specs. Find out what the Nissan Kicks will offer when it finally launches here.

Nissan Kicks Vs Maruti Suzuki S-Cross: Exterior

The Kicks get Nissan’s typical V-motion signature grille towards the front while the headlamps in particular also look good on the C segment SUV. The headlamp unit gets  LED daytime running lamps while there is a halogen unit as well as a LED projector units on offer. Nissan offers a duel tone roof with the vehicle while the roof rails, in particular, come as handy because it can carry up to 100 kilos of the load. The top end trims gets a bigger 17-inch wheel. Towards the rear of the Kicks, you will notice a stylish wraparound LED taillamps as well.

While being a crossover, the new Maruti S-Cross too does not disappoint when we talk about its styling and exterior features. Upfront the S-Cross gets a new chrome grille along with an updated front bumper.

There is also a new headlamp setup on offer as well which gets LED daytime running lamps and projector units. Besides that, there are not too many noticeable change however you do get an alloy wheel which gets an attractive looking black treatment on them. Towards the rear, the changes to the facelift variant are also minimal.

There is a new SHVS badge while there are minor changes made to the wraparound LED tail lamps.

Nissan Kicks VS Maruti Suzuki S-Cross: Interior

Let us start with what the Nissan Kicks offers for the rear seat passengers. Nissan has provided 2 adjustable headrests for the rear passengers while there is a small nonadjustable headrest as well (will be beneficial for children sitting in the middle). It does also offer an armrest for the rear passenger as well with two cup holders. Nissan also offers rear air-con vents.

Towards the front, the dashboard looks quite premium and gets leather touches towards the bottom half. The kicks feature a flat-bottomed steering wheel while the audio controls are positioned towards the right side behind the steering wheel. The instrument cluster also offers plenty of information including average, distance, range etc.

To keep the premium feel alive inside Nissan has offered a touchscreen infotainment system which also doubles up as a display unit for the 360-degree reverse parking camera. It also features a climate control system as well. The fit and finish quality of the Nissan Kicks interior looks quite up to the mark some other additional features include a cruise control system, rain sensing wipers, a keyless entry and go etc offered on the top spec trim.

On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Crossover too offers plenty of features at this price point. To begin with, the S-Cross gets an all-black interior. The dashboard just like its rival gets a soft touch feel to it along with an integrated a touchscreen infotainment unit which adds a premium feel to the car and also comes with both Android Auto and Apple Car Play system. The overall quality of the cabin has improved a lot than before.

The S-Cross too also offers a leather-wrapped steering wheel as well. While it also gets automatic headlamps and wipers, keyless go and also cruise control.

Nissan Kicks VS Maruti Suzuki S-Cross: Specification

Nissan will be offering both petrol as well as diesel engines under the hood. The petrol variant will get 1.5 Litre four-cylinder engine which will deliver around 103 Bhp of peak power mated with the 5-speed manual transmission while the diesel variant will get the tried and tested 1.5 Liter unit that delivers around 108 Bhp of peak power with the mated with 6-speed gearbox.  the engines will be offered with a 6-speed manual transmission while there will perhaps also be an automatic transmission on offer later.

The S-Cross Crossover, on the other hand, gets a single tried and tested 1.3 Liter DDiS 200 Smart Hybrid diesel engine under its hood which has been tuned to generate around 66 kW of peak power and 200 Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission which sends power to the front wheels.

Diesel

Petrol

Nissan Kicks VS Maruti Suzuki S-Cross: Verdict

When it comes to styling and creature comfort both the cars offers almost the same kind of features on the exterior as well as interior. On the exterior, both the S-Cross as well as the Nissan Kicks gets projector headlamps and LED taillamps while inside you do get a touchscreen infotainment system and soft-touch dashboard which helps in adding a premium feel inside. The Nissan Kicks definitely offers more feature, better ground clearance, more safety features while it also gets a more spacious rear seat suitable for 3 adult passengers.

When we talk about drivetrains the Kicks offers both petrol as well as a diesel engine under the hood while the S-Cross only offers a single diesel engine option only. The Nissan Kicks surely is a more modern C-segment SUV and looks equally good as well while the S-Cross will appeal mostly to those who are big Maruti fans.