Aimed at the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport and Renault Captur in India, the Kicks appears outwardly similar to the model sold in the United States and parts of South America, but swaps the Micra’s V-platform for the low-cost B0 that underpins the Dacia/Renault Duster and the Renault Kaptur.

The switch in underpinnings therefore means that the Kicks is both wider, longer and taller than its international sibling, with a wheelbase lengthened by 89mm to 4 384mm, a wheelbase stretched by 63mm to 2 673mm, a 53mm gain in width for a total of 1 813mm and a height increase of 66mm to 1 656mm.

Equipment-wise, the Kicks will be offered in a choice of four trim levels with items on the entry-level XL consisting of 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, climate control with rear vents, a height-adjustable driver’s seats, a Bluetooth and USB enabled sound system with four-speakers, front armrest, electric windows all around, LED daytime running lights, auto lock/unlock doors, rear parking sensors and electric mirrors.

Next-up, the XV adds a reverse camera and swaps the steel wheels for five-spoke 17-inch alloys, while an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto replaces the LCD unit. A satin silver front skidplate, steering wheel mounted audio controls, chrome body cladding, front fog lights, roof rails, rear armrest and Vehicle Dynamic Control reserved for the diesel model completes the list.

Serving as the mid-range model, the XV Premium adds projector-type LED headlights, cruise control, keyless entry/start, Hill Start Assist and a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, while the flagship XV Premium+ comes with follow-me-home automatic headlights, stitched leather seats, a total of four airbags, rear fog lights, cornering front fog lights, a 360-degree camera system and an optional dual-tone roof.

As previously expected, the Kicks’ change in platform means it will come powered by the same choice of engines as the Duster and its rebadged sibling, the Nissan Terrano, namely a 1.6-litre petrol in the XL and XV that punches out 77kW/142Nm, and the familiar 1.5 dCi that makes 80kW/240Nm. On all models, drive is routed to the front wheels though the petrol is outfitted with a five-speed manual gearbox whereas the oil-burner comes with a six-speed ‘box.

The colour palette meanwhile is made up of seven hues; Pearl White, Bronze Grey, Blade Silver, Night Shade, Amber Orange, Fire Red and Deep Blue Pearl, while the dual-tone finish is made up of a Pearl White roof and Amber Orange paint, Bronze Grey/Amber Orange, Pearl White/Onyx Black and Fire Red/Onyx Black.

Although Nissan has indicated that a replacement of the aged Juke will be unveiled later this year, the Kicks could well serve as a replacement to keep costs down or indeed as Nissan’s entry-level crossover/SUV if the new Juke is approved for South Africa. At present though, both models’ local availability are unknown.

PRICING

IMAGES from autocarindia.com. ADDITIONAL info from indianautosblog.com