Nissan Kicks offers several segment-first features and is priced aggressively against competitors
Nissan Motor India Private Limited launched the all-new Kicks on January 22. Priced between Rs. 9.55 lakh and Rs. 14.65 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India), the Kicks is retailed in XL, XV, XV Premium and XV Premium Plus variants. It comes with noticeable exterior changes compared to the global-spec model and measures 99 mm longer.
Having 2,673 mm wheelbase, the Kicks is heavily localised in India as it is based on the updated B0 platform. The Kicks has bigger dimensions than main rival Hyundai Creta as it is longer, wider and has more wheelbase as well as ground clearance (at 210 mm). The higher ground clearance enables Kicks to be a capable off-roader when the going gets tough on uneven surfaces.
One of the primary highlights of the Kicks has been the cabin insulation and improved NVH levels. The premium SUV has a well-sorted cabin and is spacious enough for five with ample head and knee room while the seating comfort on long drives is highly appreciable. Amidst pricing the Kicks aggressively in the domestic market, the Japanese manufacturer has present several segment-first features to give it a competitive advantage over its competitors.
It gets 360-degree around view monitoring camera that really comes alive during tight parking scenarios, VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) in all diesel trims except XL enhances the handling characteristics, HSA (Hill Start Assist), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and multiple airbags make the Kicks a feature-packed SUV in its fiercely competitive segment.
Other key features are a large eight-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, cornering fog lamps, etc are some of the important equipment available. Nissan sells the Kicks with 3-year standard warranty and service package with roadside assistance, and it can be had with subscription scheme of Rs. 11 per km.
The dual-tone exterior theme is a captivating affair in the Kicks. Combined with 17-inch double five-spoke machined alloy wheels and floating roofline, the premium SUV has a sporty stance and courtesy of the subtle India-specific changes made to the front fascia, it looks more dynamic than the model sold elsewhere.
The Kicks uses one petrol and one diesel engine option (four diesel and two petrol variants) and it is available in seven single-tone and optional dual-tone paint schemes. The 1.5-litre K9K diesel connected to a six-speed manual gearbox produces 110 PS at 3,850 rpm and 240 Nm at 1,750 rpm while the 1.5-litre H4K petrol develops 106 PS at 5,600 rpm and 142 Nm of peak torque delivered at 4,000 rpm. It is mated to only a five-speed transmission.
Right from the base variant, the Kicks provides a good level of equipment such as 16-inch steel wheels, halogen headlights with LED DRLs, rear AC, automatic climate control, six-way power adjusted driver seat, electrically adjustable wing mirrors with turn indicators and so on making it one of the attractive propositions in the segment.
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