NISSAN KICKS 2019 review

 

Nissan kicks, the Japanese manufacturer’s attempt to enter in the compact SUV segment.

Will they succeed? Is the kick enough to beat the competitors? Let us analyze and compare this kick-ass SUV.

Their direct competition is with Hyundai Creta, which is currently leading in his segment. Creta has been dominant in this segment for a long time but can’t ignore the Renault Captur though.

Looks and Design

Chassis is similar to the Duster, but with different angles, it won't be easy to recognize it. It looks way sportier and sharper. Boomerang style rear light and sharper cuts and body line with 210mm ground clearance add to the grand SUV appeal. The scenario changes when we look inside; instead of going for the full plastic dashboard, you can find soft smooth leather which makes it looks more premium. With a bit of plastic which has a shade like carbon fiber to give it a touch of a sporty feel.

You can find a big 8-inch infotainment system which is clear and easy to use, Oh si!. One change you will find in 2019 Kicks is that its speedometer has changed a bit, or should I say changed a bit differently. In the 2019 model, there are two analog meters that show fuel quantity and acceleration and, there is no speedometer. Wait, there is a digital speedometer at the center of these analog meters, wow! That’s a change we didn’t expect.

Leather finish on the dashboard is awesome, and seats are a premium looking leather coated. Leg space for passengers is good but not the headroom, if you're tall you are going to feel your hair/head rubbing up against the roof. Kicks are larger than Creta.

It has got a camera below the rearview mirror which helps it to create a 360° view to park and move around in tight spots. It has also got 2 airbags as standard and 5 on higher variants. With ESC, brake assist and traction control system, it has even got 4-star safety rating with 2 airbags.

Specification

Engine Type	1.5 K9K Diesel Engine	1.5 H4K Petrol
Engine Displacement(cc)	1461	1498
Maximum Power	108.49bhp@3850rpm	104.55bhp@5600rpm
Maximum Torque	240Nm@1750rpm	142Nm@4000rpm
Transmission Type	5-speed manual	6-speed manual
Fuel Supply System	CRDI	MPFI

Performance

Let's talk about performance. It has the same engine as that of Renault Captur in that sense it is not most powerful on the segment either. Still power delivery is smooth and linear. Which means you won't feel it aggressive but it is not like you won't enjoy it. Suspension setup is soft and well set up for Indian roads, because of which it can absorb most of the bumps like a champ, combined with the high ground clearance can go through most of the normal bad road you will find.

Automatic climate control, ABS with EBD & brake assist, hill start, voice commands, cruise control, cornering fog lamps are some good features of new Kicks. It misses out basics like a sunroof, curtain airbags etc., that are available recently facelifted Creta.

Steering is quite quick, which brings a little scare in amateur drivers.

Price: 9.5 - 10.0 Lakh( INR estimated price)

Final verdict

Looks and design: 7/10

Specs & features: 7/10

Dynamics & performance: 7/10

Safety & quality: 8/10

This car is for those who want a good quality car with good looks and ride quality. Can be a problem for a family with tall people. Off-roading is not a big problem, performance is mid-range. Mid-Range performance is expected from Kicks.

Nissan is well known for the economic pricing in every segment and it has kept that specialty here too. Those who have budget constraints can go for it. All the features make Kicks a desirable SUV.

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