Having teased the masses with design sketches a few weeks ago, Nissan has today taken the wraps off of the India-spec Kicks SUV. Mind you, this is only an exterior reveal – Nissan will share more on the interior and other aspects at a later date. On the outside, the differences are hard to spot – but we’ll tell you exactly what they are.
Design-wise, the India-spec Kicks retains almost all of the cues that are present on the international model we drove last month. What’s new on the India-spec Kicks is a redesigned front bumper with faux air inlets above the fog lights and an aluminium skid plate, all of which is meant to add a dash of toughness to the Kicks' appearance. Also present on the India-spec Kicks are LED headlights (with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights, similar to the ones seen on larger SUVs like the X-Trail and Murano) and a new honeycomb mesh design for the grille, flanked by a more angular ‘V-motion’ chrome band.
The India-spec Kicks retains the international model's muscular wheel arches, strong shoulder line, blacked-out pillars and the ‘floating roof', which is finished in eye-catching orange and features more prominent roof rails. It rides on smart-looking 17-inch alloy wheels, and at the back, it’s almost identical to the international model save for the chrome applique on top of the registration plate housing and a mildly reworked rear bumper. The fuel tank lid will also move to the right side on the India-spec model due to the different platform that underpins it.
An important point to note is that size-wise, the India-spec Kicks is bigger than the international model. It measures in at 4,384mm, 89mm longer than the model sold abroad, and is wider (1,813mm) and taller (1,656mm), with a longer wheelbase (2,673mm). It's based on an updated version of the Alliance's M0 platform (and not on Nissan's V platform), which also underpins the Renault Captur. Interestingly, while the Kicks is longer and taller than the Captur, it has the exact same wheelbase. Ground clearance on the India-spec Kicks is rated at 210mm.
While the interior remains under wraps for now, what we can tell you is that the India-spec Kicks will have more space on the inside thanks to the increase in size, and will also likely have more boot space than the international Kicks' 432 litres. Just like the exterior, the five-seat cabin's design is also likely to be similar to the international model's. There’ll be a youthful vibe to the cabin – and for maximum effect, Nissan could also be adventurous with the interior colour scheme. A 7.0-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be part of the package, as will automatic climate control and several other goodies.
It is likely the India-spec Kicks will likely have the same engine and gearbox options as the Nissan Terrano, Renault Duster and Captur: the tried-and-tested 110hp, 1.5-litre diesel motor, and a 106hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine. Gearbox options could include a 6-speed manual for the diesel and a 5-speed manual for the petrol. A CVT gearbox on the petrol and an automatic transmission on the diesel engine will be offered with the Kicks, though some time after it has launched.
As it will be positioned above the Terrano in Nissan's line-up, expect prices for the Kicks SUV to range from Rs 9.4 lakh to 15 lakh (ex-showroom) when it is launched in January 2019. The Nissan Kicks is set to take on the Hyundai Creta.
What do you think of the India-spec Kicks' appearance – is it appealing, or just not SUV enough for you? Let us know in the comments.
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
