IAB reader Suraj Suprabhan has spotted a heavily camouflaged test mule of the India-spec Nissan Kicks in Chennai ahead of its official unveiling on 18 October. Nissan Motor India has already released the teaser sketches of its new Hyundai Creta adversary.
Internationally, the Nissan Kicks is underpinned by the company’s V platform. The Indian-spec model will use an updated version of the Terrano’s low-cost B0/Logan platform. The dual-spec platform strategy by the Renault-Nissan alliance was last seen on the local version of the Renault Captur. The Indian iteration of the Kicks will be bigger than its global counterpart (dimensions: 4,295 mm x 1,760 mm x 1,590 mm).
The Nissan Kicks will be reportedly sold with engine and transmission options available on the Duster. These include the 1.5-litre H4K petrol engine mated to a 5-speed MT or a CVT and the 1.5-litre K9K diesel motor paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or an AMT. AWD isn’t on offer internationally, and the Indian market would be no different.
Speaking on the US-spec 2018 Nissan Kicks, Dan Mohnke, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, Nissan Division U.S., Nissan North America, Inc. says:
From a pure visual standpoint on the street, Kicks is a true head turner, especially in the bold two-tone color combinations. Kicks is clearly recognizable as part of the Nissan CUV family, but has a vibrancy and identity all its own.
In an interaction with IAB on the design of the India-spec model, Alfonso Albaisa, Senior VP (Global Design), Nissan has said that some people who have seen the car say the Indian version will look better because of its larger dimensions.
The Nissan Kicks will launch in India in January 2019. Bookings are expected to commence towards the end of the current calendar year. Prices will likely start around INR 9.5 lakhs (ex-showroom).
