Introducing Fun & Functionality: 2018 Nissan Kicks compact crossover
The brand-new Nissan Kicks becomes the newest entry in the fast-growing affordable compact crossover market when it debuts at American Nissan dealerships later this year. As the gateway to Nissan's adventure-ready sport-utility portfolio, Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for unique styling, roominess, personal technology, smart functionality and advanced safety features at an affordable price.
To be available in S, SV, and SR trim levels, the front-wheel drive Nissan Kicks presents an expressive sense of style and substance with a wheel-oriented stance and Nissan brand signatures viewed from every angle. The production Nissan Kicks retains the basic design cues taken from the Kicks Concept – first shown at the 2014 São Paulo Motor Show.
Kicks combines emotion and practicality by blending familiar Nissan design signatures with striking modern themes. Among those established design signatures are Nissan's V-Motion grille, boomerang headlights and taillights, and the floating roof with a "wrap-around visor" look to the windscreen and side glass. In particular, with the wide C-pillar "hidden" with a black finish that blends into the tailgate glass, the floating roof has been exaggerated on the Kicks, giving it a distinctive and eye-catching appeal.
Power for the new Nissan CUV is generated by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine. Torque is communicated through the wheels via a Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is NOT available.
Control hardware for the Kicks is tried and true, with independent struts and a stabilizer bar up front, and a rear twist beam axle, twin tube shocks and stabilizer bar at the rear.
Inside the passenger cabin, the Kicks story is one of quality and futuristic design in a cabin full of the innovative features expected by its tech-hungry target audience. The interior promises ample passenger space in the rear – despite the coupe-like roofline – as well as one of the largest load areas in its class. Front seat occupants face Nissan's modern and simple "Gliding Wing" dashboard design, which is dominated by a centrally mounted 7.0-inch full color display housing a comprehensive infotainment system with available Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ smartphone connectivity.
The versatile Kicks interior also offers a sporting flavor – provided by a flat-bottom steering wheel, comfortable six-way driver's seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat and 60/40-split fold-down rear seat.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 103.1; overall length: 169.1; width: 69.3; height: 62.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder – 125 hp/115 lbs-ft of torque
Transmission: continuous variable automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 33 mpg (estimated combined)
Cargo capacity: 25.3 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, driver’s side knee airbag, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, traction control system, vehicle dynamic control, hill start assist, intelligent automatic headlights, automatic emergency braking, rearview monitor, Bluetooth hands free phone system and tire pressure monitor. SV adds Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Optional safety features include: intelligent around view monitor, Nissan Intelligent Key with push button start, and LED headlights.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Pricing
As of the writing of this review, Nissan has not announced pricing for the 2018 Nissan Kicks compact crossover.
