2017 NISSAN Kicks 1.6L CVT FWD (118 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Nissan introduced a new model in its lineup in 2016 for a few emerging markets such as India or South America. Still, it was more than just an affordable vehicle. It was loaded with new technologies too.

The new car was introduced by Nissan on the occasion of the 2016 Brazil Summer Olympics and created a further step into the crossover-utility-vehicle segment by the Japanese automaker. The Kicks was based on the same platform as the Dacia Duster, also known as Nissan Terrano, on the Indian market.

In 2016 Nissan had a specific design language characterized by sharp angles and curved lines. The front fascia featured a chromed, V-shaped trim underlining the grille and was flanked by upper-mounted angular headlights. On the profile, the Kicks featured sculptured door panels and an ascending beltline that ended with an upward kick toward the C-pillar. At the back, the high-mounted taillights flanked the tailgate, which featured a hexagonal lower shape, cutting deep into the rear bumper, thus creating a lower loading area.

The cabin was not fitted with the latest and most expensive materials available. However, they were still decent, especially for the car’s price range. Moreover, all versions were fitted with a touchscreen infotainment unit placed above the center stack. The instrument panel featured similar dials and TFT displays as the second generation of the Dacia Duster, albeit the steering wheel clearly sported the Nissan’s design language.

But sharing its underpinnings with the Duster didn’t mean that the Kicks was fitted with all-wheel drive systems. Instead, it was offered exclusively with front-wheel drive drivetrains, with McPherson struts up front and trailing arms out back.