We have explained why Nissan Kicks is one of the best compact SUVs money can buy in this elaborative article
Nissan’s India division introduced the Kicks premium SUV in the first month of 2019 and entered the market with plenty of anticipation as the model has already been popular in the international arena. With starting price of Rs. 9.55 lakh, the range-topping model goes all the way up to Rs. 14.65 lakh (ex-showroom, pan India).
Sold in a total of four variants, Nissan did not just bring in the Kicks right from the global markets and instead it gets a lot of changes to suit the Indian customers. For instance, the Japanese manufacturer ditched the expensive V platform as the Kicks is underpinned by the updated version of B0 architecture that is heavily localised in India.
It led to a competitive price range against rivals and the India-spec Kicks has a noticeable increase in dimensions compared to the global model allowing for a more spacious cabin. Moreover, to give a more dynamic look, the exterior has gained subtle tweaks up front and rear and the revisions are certainly making a positive impact.
The Nissan Kicks chiefly competes against Hyundai Creta and in comparison, it has a longer wheelbase, higher ground clearance as well as more length and width. Courtesy of the 210 mm ground clearance, the Kicks can take quite a lot of beating off the regular tarmac and is one of the five-seater SUV’s major USPs. It feels agile with a responsive steering wheel and the suspension can cope with the sane off-roading bits.
The upmarket appeal of the Kicks can be clearly seen on the inside and while on the move. Combined with a spacious cabin and a clutter-free cockpit for the driver, the long journies can be dealt with ease. The use of materials across the dashboard, centre console and on the seats are well thought out as well.
Topping it all is the large eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity while the segment-first features do differentiate it from the rest of its competitors. The Kicks comes equipped with 360-degree around view monitoring camera helping in easy parking and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) in all diesel variants barring XL.
The highlighting driver assistive and safety features are multiple airbags, HSA (Hill Start Assist) and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution). The interior has good insulation enabling lower NVH levels as well. Nissan offers the Kicks with two tried-and-tested engines: 1.5-litre K9K diesel and 1.5-litre H4K petrol.
The former produces 110 PS at 3,850 rpm and 240 Nm at 1,750 rpm and the latter pumps out 106 PS at 5,600 rpm and 142 Nm of peak torque delivered at 4,000 rpm. The petrol engine uses a six-speed MT while the diesel features a five-speed MT. Since they have been used in other Renault-Nissan vehicles, the refinement levels are highly appreciable.
For the convenience of buyers, Nissan sells the Kicks with a subscription scheme of Rs. 11 per km and it gets a standard warranty of three years. The Kicks is kitted out with good level of equipment right from the base variant making it a highly attractive prospect to the consumers.
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