Having been stuck with the same
naturally-aspirated petrol engines since its reveal, the Nissan Kicks is
finally receiving some new powertrain options this year. First, the B-segment
SUV was given the e-Power range extender electric variant in Thailand, and
India is now a recipient of a turbocharged petrol engine.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find the HR13DDT,
a 1.33 litre direct-injected turbo four-cylinder that makes 156 PS and 254 Nm
of torque – outputs that Nissan says is best in class. If that engine sounds
familiar to you, that’s because it’s the same one you’ll find in the W177
Mercedes-Benz A 200, albeit with slightly lower numbers. Unlike the Merc, which
has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as company, the Kicks gets the option
of either a six-speed manual or an Xtronic CVT with an eight-speed virtual
ratio mode. The 106 PS/142 Nm HR15DE 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-pot
continues to be offered on the base models (the diesel variant has been
discontinued due to tightening emissions standards).
Despite looking almost identical, the
Indian version shares very little with the global Kicks model, which is based
on Nissan’s V platform. The car you see here instead rides on the budget B0
platform, which also underpins the Dacia Duster and the Indian/Russian-market
Renault Captur/Kaptur.
This means the Indian Kicks also misses
out on the Thai market’s facelift, which gave the car a completely redesigned
front fascia with a far larger V-motion grille. You can tell the car apart from
the global model through the Captur-style stalk-mounted wing mirrors, slimmer
headlights (available with LED projectors) and the unique dashboard design that
places the infotainment system high up between the centre air vents.
Aside from the new engine, the 2020 model
year also adds features like automatic headlights and wipers, fog lights with a
cornering function, push-button start, automatic engine stop/start and a new
infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen and voice control. The car
continues to come with the NissanConnect suite of connectivity features,
including vehicle status and maintenance tracking and smartwatch compatibility.
Pricing for the 2020 Kicks starts from 949,990 rupees for the base
1.5 XV manual and goes all the way up to 1,414,990 rupees for the
top 1/3 Turbo XV Premium CVT.
