Production Nissan Kicks Compact SUV Revealed

The production version looks unmistakably similar to the concept version, but subtle changes are visible throughout, intended at making the crossover production-ready.

Like the interior, Nissan is saving all the details of the crossover for its official debut early next month. The Kicks crossover is said to be based on the company’s V-platform that is used for the Nissan March (Nissan Micra), Nissan Sentra (Nissan Sunny) and the Nissan Note as well. It will feature a 1.6-litre flex-fuel engine. This petrol/ethanol engine, which will be built at the company’s plant in Resende in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will be available with 5-speed manual or an X-TRONIC continuously variable transmission. Nissan may offer different engine and transmission configuration(s) for markets outside South America though.

The Nissan Kicks could be launched in H2 2016 in Brazil. This year, Brazil will source the compact SUV from Mexico. Local production, in Resende, will commence next year. The Kicks’ Indian launch will reportedly happen next year. India will likely get a diesel engine, which could be a unit shared with the Nissan Terrano, although nothing has been confirmed about the Asian market yet.