India-spec Nissan Kicks unveiled; will rival Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur

Nissan has revealed the Kicks compact SUV for the Indian market. It will go on sale in 2019 and will kickstart a new brand strategy for Nissan, wherein the Japanese carmaker aims to position itself as a premium mainstream brand.

The Nissan Kicks that we’ll get in India is bigger than the version sold in markets such as the US, Brazil, China and the UAE. That’s because the India-spec Kicks is underpinned by the B0 platform (which it shares with the Renault Duster), whereas the Kicks sold in markets mentioned above is based on the new Micra platform.

While the platform may be different, the design of the India-spec Kicks is identical to the international model. It gets Nissan’s V-Motion grille, which is flanked by LED projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lamps. Like other SUVs in the segment, the Nissan Kicks rides on 17-inch machine-cut alloy wheels. It features a floating type roof and a distinctive kink on the C-pillar. Nissan will offer the Kicks with a dual-tone paint job as well. The rear profile packs angular tail lamps featuring LED inserts and steeply raked windscreen.

In terms of safety, dual-front airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist (BA), Isofix child seat anchors and rear parking sensors are expected to be offered as standard. The higher variants could offer up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) and hill start assist. The Kicks will also be available with NissanConnect telematics solution, which is also available on other Nissan cars. Here's a detailed report on what NissanConnect has to offer.

Apart from its underpinnings, the Kicks might also share its engine options with the Renault Captur. So the 1.5-litre petrol engine might be available with either a 5-speed manual or Nissan’s X-Tronic CVT, while the tried and tested 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission should be on offer as well. India might be the only country to get a diesel-powered Kicks.

The Nissan Kicks is expected to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom), which is similar to its Renault sibling and rival, the Captur. When launched, it will go up against the Hyundai Creta along with Kia’s first product for India, the 2019 Kia SP Concept-based compact SUV.

Disclaimer: This article has not been edited by Deccan Chronicle and is taken from a syndicated feed. Photos: CarDekho.