Nissan Kicks: Compact US SUV | CAR ENGINE AND SPORTS

Until now, Nissan had the Kicks, known from Latin America, as the smallest SUV model in its range in the USA. The series is now receiving a comprehensive redesign for the new model year. This makes the small SUV look significantly more angular; The new lines also ensure greater length and width. The length and wheelbase have not changed yet. The new Nissan Kicks celebrates its official debut at the New York Auto Show.

It becomes beefier and edgier

The new 4.36-meter-long Kicks rests on a front end that stands up fast in the wind with a high, flat front hood. A grille with four transverse slats spans the entire front and extends laterally to the LED daytime running lights and gambling-shaped LED headlights. Centered, it has the Nissan logo. The front is rounded with a spoiler with a diamond pattern, which is also seen on the flared side skirts.

The high, horizontal belt line also ensures a beefy appearance. The roof, which contrasts in color with the main body of the body, slopes down in a smooth line towards the back. The C-pillar is characterized by a black glass insert, which has increased significantly with the new model. More flared shoulders create a strong look for the back. The taillights, which feature LED technology, now run in an L-shape on the tailgate, which has a sweeping edge. Depending on the equipment, it rolls on 16-, 17- or 19-inch alloy rims.

Large combustion engine, optional all-wheel drive

The Nissan Kicks has also developed significantly on the vehicle side. The 122 hp and 155 Nm 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine is history. Now there is a two-liter engine under the hood that produces 141 hp and 190 Nm of torque from its four cylinders. There is no electric effect. Shifting is always done through a CVT transmission. New is optional all-wheel drive, which complements the front-wheel drive variant, but also increases trunk space.

More digital inside

The interior has also been completely renovated. The dashboard is based on horizontal lines. Nissan combines the instrument cluster display and infotainment system under a standard glass window. In the basic version, both screens measure seven inches diagonally, both monitors increase to 12.3 inches each. Smartphones are connected via Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Four USB-C ports provide for mobile devices, and there’s also an inductive charging port on the center console in higher-end versions. The center console itself has been widened and offers large cup holders. Door storage areas have also increased in size.

New seats in both rows, as well as increased external dimensions, ensure a more spacious atmosphere in the cockpit. The optional glass panel roof also contributes to this. The trunk volume grows to 850 liters, but it can be expanded by folding the rear seat back.

Nissan includes many assistance systems in the “Safety Shield 360” package. Additional helpers are reserved for the higher equipment level, but then as standard equipment. The new Nissan Kicks is coming to US retailers in three trim levels: S, SV and SR – the latter with a sporty focus. It will be available from summer 2024, then as a 2025 model. Nissan has yet to announce pricing. The predecessor was available for about 19,500 euros.