Earlier this year, it was reported that Nissan has delayed the Nissan Kicks’ launch in India as it is still working on localising it. A definitive launch timeline wasn't available then. Now, a new report from Business Standard says that the launch will indeed be taking place sometime this year.
Back in October 2013, Nissan had launched the Nissan Terrano by followed the Nissan GT-R in December 2016. No new models have been launched since fueling speculation that their focus is shifting from Nissan to Datsun. However, quashing those rumours, Jerome Saigot, MD, Nissan Motor India, told the business publication:
We have plans on the Nissan front. It is true that as of today the product line up is a bit old. In few months you will see a new Nissan car on roads.
As per the report, he was referring to the Nissan Kicks, which will mark the launch of the company’s first new high-volume vehicle after five years in the country.
Designed for emerging markets, the Nissan Kicks was introduced in Brazil in May 2016. Its availability has expanded to even developed markets like the USA and Canada. It co-existed with the Nissan Juke as a cheaper alternative of the two in some markets. In the USA and Canada, it was a direct replacement for the Nissan Juke. In Latin America, 58,000 units were sold in FY2017.
The global Nissan Kicks is underpinned by Nissan’s V platform that was developed to support both B and A segment cars. The Nissan Micra and Nissan Sunny are also based on this platform, but they aren't popular here currently. The Indian-spec Nissan Kicks will ride on Dacia’s B0/Logan platform, which is already utilised by the Nissan Terrano, Renault Duster, and Renault Captur. It won’t have any design and styling changes, though.
Nissan may offer the Nissan Kicks in India with the same set of engines as the Renault Captur: 1.5L H4-litre petrol and 1.5-litre K9K diesel. The four-cylinder petrol engine produces 106 PS and 142 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The four-cylinder diesel engine develops 110 PS and 240 Nm of torque. It sends power to the wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. The V platform-based Kicks sold globally doesn’t come with an AWD system. It’s unknown whether the B0/Logan platform-based Kicks will come with an AWD system or not.
Also Read: 7-seat Nissan Terra officially unveiled in the Philippines, to go on sale in August
The Nissan Kicks will compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Renault Captur, Honda BR-V, and Maruti S-Cross in India. Expect it to be priced in the INR 10-15 lakhs (ex-showroom) bracket.
[Source: Business Standard]
