Nissan has pulled the covers off the 2018 Kicks, the
company’s new subcompact SUV which first made its appearance in Latin America
last year. The new Nissan Kicks replaces the Juke in one of the fastest-growing
segments in the market, becoming along the way the sixth member of the
company’s growing SUV family.
Gone is the divisive styling then, with Nissan
opting for a more acceptable design, mixing elements from models like the Rogue
and the Micra supermini that’s available in other markets. All models will be
powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol unit, rated at 125 hp and 115 lb-ft
of torque. Paired to it will be the company’s proven Xtronic CVT transmission,
with Nissan expecting a combined fuel economy rating of 33mpg. No all-wheel
drive though, as all versions will drive their front wheels exclusively.
Customers will be given the option of seven exterior
colors, along with five two-tone combinations. Two-tone combos include a black
roof and contrasting body colors (white, orange or red), an orange roof with a
gray body or a white roof with a blue body.
The cabin promises to offer “ample passenger space
in the rear” as well as one of the largest load areas in its class. A 7.0-inch
infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Nissan’s Intelligent
Around View Monitor as well as an optional Bose premium sound system are also
present.
All Kicks models will also come with Automatic
Emergency Braking as standard, while the SV and SR trim levels will add Blind
Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
