Not with standing the little success that it had with Terrano, Nissan India launched Kicks SUV to change the game entirely as the manfacturer has come out with its best SUV till date. Of the rich heritage of excellent SUV, Kicks, well, kick starts everything for Nissan India. We list some of the reasons why you should consider buying this Japanese SUV. Looks is spot-on as Kicks commands a dominating road presence thanks to its generous dimensions. What further adds to its masculinity is new imposing design language of Nissan which has got a strong V-design grille, high-set sweptback headlamps, and upright silhouette.
The cabin comes feature-loaded with top-of-the-line variant receiving automatic headlines, 360-degree surround view camera (segment-first), automatic wipers, and cruise control. The entire Kick’s range comes equipped with dual front safety airbags, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, electrically adjustable outside rear view mirror with integrated blinkers, and driver-seat height adjustment.
As you move up in the model range, Kicks keeps on adding features such as four airbags, 8” touch screen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, hill-start assist, etc.
Onboard the SUV there is NissanConnect, a smartphone and smartwatch compatible, telematics control unit which enables car owners to digitally interact with their car through real-time notifications. The connected-car technology with over 60 features comes as standard across all the variants of Nissan KICKS. T SoS Emergency Calling, Track & Trace, Tow-Away Alert, Vehicle Low Battery Alert, and Automated Impact Alert ensure the safety of both the car and its owner in emergency situation.
Notifications giving a digital layer to navigating the car safely in real-time include Harsh and sudden acceleration Alert, Sudden Turn Alert and Sudden Brake Alert Curfew Alert. Geo fencing with Multiple Entry/Exit alerts car owners when their car moves in and out of boundary zones set by them. Idling Run Time, Smart Drive Score, Quick Reference Videos and Intelligent Route Guidance give a check on the health of the vehicle.
Way to My Car is a convenient time-saver for instantly finding your car in a parking lot. The new Nissan KICKS can also be personalized with 27 different accessory categories, and tailor-made as per customer requirements.
When it comes to engine and transmission, Nissan Kicks has not something special up its sleeve. Yes, it comes with both 1.5-liter petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel engine but there is no automatic on offer, at least for now. The petrol engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while the diesel motor is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
We expect Nissan to bring CVT automatic transmission at a later point in time. The quality of some bits and parts used inside the cabin is also not up to the mark. As far as the best variant is concerned, you should go for XV (O) as it has got all the creature comfort under Rs 15 lakh.
The drive, time and again has been very good indeed. Ride and handling is segment benchmark with unfazed highway stability, perfect agility in the corners, superior nimbelness in the city thanks to compact dimensions. Space in the back is also good enough as it meets segment standard.
Steering gets heavier and so does the confidence. Kicks has the best brakes in the business with perfect bite and progression and right grab from the pads to anchor this vehicle. The 1.5 diesel engine with a slick 6-speed gearbox has fantastic mid-range a mileage of 17 km/l and is home on the highway and good enough for the city.
2019 Nissan Kicks Review, Verdict
Kicks is a good kick-start for the brand as the manufacturer is about to bring quality premium products into the market without sacrificing practicality and features list with these products. Nissan is even offering 3 years road side assistance, 3 year service package and 3 year warranty with the car.
Kicks seems a fine example of the same and the future is surely bright, but the present is worth the attention and money that you are willing to pay for C-segment SUV that has everything you would ever need. Right from reliability to presence. From affordability to value for money.
XL 1.5 Petrol: Rs. 9.55 Lakhs
XL 1.5 Diesel: Rs. 10.85 Lakhs
XV 1.5 Petrol: 10.95 Lakhs
XV 1.5 Diesel Rs. 12.49 Lakhs
XV Pre 1.5 Diesel: Rs. 13.65 Lakhs
XV Pre (O) 1.5 Diesel Rs. 14.65 Lakhs
