IAB reader Gokulraj GK has spotted the Indian-spec Nissan Kicks undergoing road testing. IAB understands that mass production of the Indian-spec Nissan Kicks will commence next month at the company's facility in Oragadam, off Chennai. A few vehicles for the purpose of the media drive, marketing and testing are being produced, with an "employee launch" having just concluded on the factory floor.
The exterior highlights of the Nissan Kicks for India include a V-motion front grille, sweptback headlamps, boomerang-shaped LED DRLs a faux skid plate, dual-tone paint schemes, floating-effect roof, and 17-inch machined alloy wheels sporting 215/60-section tires. The local iteration of the company's global small SUV is significantly larger than its international version. It measures 4,384 mm in length, 1,813 mm in width, and 1,656 mm in height. The wheelbase stands at 2,673 mm. In comparison, the global version is 4,295 mm long, 1,760 mm wide, and 1,590 tall and has a wheelbase of 2,610 mm.
The interior of the SUV is yet to be revealed, but we expect it to be much like that of its international sibling. The global version features a soft-touch dashboard in the 'Gliding Wing' design, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with smartphone connectivity, a semi-digital instrument console complemented by a seven-inch driver information display, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The vehicle will also offer the first-in-class Around-View monitor.
Underpinning the Indian-spec Nissan Kicks is Dacia's B0/Logan platform that supports the Nissan Terrano/Renault Duster. On the other hand, the global-spec model is based on the V (Versatile) platform, which made its debut in 2010 in the Nissan Micra. The dual-platform strategy that has been adopted by the Nissan-Renault Alliance for the Kicks was last seen on the Renault Captur.
Powertrain options will be shared with the Renault Duster, which means the newcomer will go on sale having a 106 PS 1.5-litre H4K petrol engine and a 110 PS 1.5-litre K9K diesel motor.
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Full specifications and the interior details of the Indian-spec Nissan Kicks will be revealed in early December. The market launch of the SUV will take place in January 2019. Prices are expected to start at approximately INR 9.5 lakh (ex-showroom), which means the new Nissan will have to lock horns with the highly successful Hyundai Creta (average monthly sales in the May-Oct 2018 period - 10,939 units).
