Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria (Stallion NMN), franchisees of the Japanese autobrand nameplate has introduced the Kicks, Nissan’s next generation B-segment crossover SUV offered with a N9miilion price tag. It is positioned to compete with rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport and newcomer Toyota NG Rush.
Described by some industry followers as an astonishing sport utility vehicle (SUV), Nissan Kicks comes equipped with the new Nissan V-motion platform recently integrated in the entire Nissan range of passenger vehicles.
A critical overview of the modest, but captivating SUV shows design cues that stands out. The Kicks styling showcases the best of Nissan’s design elements including a large V-motion grille, clear wrap-around headlights and integrated boomerang LED daytime running lights on appropriate models.
A completely new crossover, the Kicks incorporates distinctive styling and nimble performance, combining Nissan Intelligent Mobility that guarantees seamless connectivity and advanced driver assistance features.
The striking front-end is complimented by blacked-out side pillars for a modern floating roof look, large wheels and a steeply sloping windscreen to give it a striking on-road presence. At the rear, the Kicks is fitted with an integrated spoiler.
First unveiled as a concept in 2014, and showcased across Brazil during summer 2016 to promote the Summer Olympics, of which Nissan was a lead sponsor, the Kicks boasts of being a design collaboration between Nissan’s design studios in California, USA, Rio de Janeiro-Brazil and Atsugi Japan.
Looking at the space, practicality and luxury credentials of the vehicle, the Kicks offers astonishing amounts of interior space – thanks in part to the brand-new Nissan architecture, which includes a longer-than-usual 2,620mm wheel-base despite its compact dimensions.
Nissan’s designers have utilised every inch of this space to offer a C-segment vehicle with best-in-class rear passenger and luggage space. The luggage space measures 383 litres with the seats upright, which is almost as large as cars in a larger vehicle class just as the cabin has a range of storage spaces, including a lidded glove-box, deep door pockets, drink holders and cubby holes in the centre console.
It rides on Nissan’s new V-Platform, a lightweight but sturdy platform that reassures perfect balance between ride and handling. This feature allows for a fully independent front suspension that is capable of being fitted with either the larger 16” or 17” wheels.
The vehicle rigid sub-frame also increases structural rigidity by 300% for improved ride and handling characteristics yet affirming lower body roll.
On his part, Amit Sharma, head of sales and marketing said: “While the striking front end has won it many complimentsand awards stated that, the designers took their time to black-out all three pillars to create the impression of a floating roof, which slopes towards the rear and meets a rising shoulder line at the C-pillar.”
Viewed from the angle he added, “The Kicks proudly display a high-ride height – 17” alloy wheels (16” steel wheels on the Base model), with muscular matte black wheel arches and a steeply sloping rear windscreen that meets the roof towards the middle of the luggage compartment.”
At the back, the sculpted rear lights remind owners that the Kicks shares its DNA with the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail, even though the tailgate emphasizes an integrated spoiler that widens below the rear lights to allow a very large opening for easy loading and unloading of luggage and gear.
The Kicks will be offered in Nigeria with standard six airbags, bluetooth connectivity, apple carPlay and android auto integration with 17’ Alloy Wheels, integrated roof rails and a follow-me-home headlight module.
Nissan has added extra insulation materials in the dashboard with thicker carpets, improved seals around all the doors to reduce the vehicle’s noise and harshness levels. It is equipped with sturdier suspension assemblies, which do not transfer as much vibration into the cabin thus making the car as comfortable and fuss-free as possible.
Also coming to Africa as one of the most reputable new vehicles in the planet world, the Kicks is undoubtedly big on attitude and self-expression, and will replace the Juke at the small end of Nissan’s SUV line-up.
Stallion NMN is also planning in the long term to begin assembling about 500 units of the vehicle annually to ensure the vehicle is accessible and affordably priced. Parvir Singh, the managing director who recently dropped this hint in Lagos, at the media preview of the car said: “We are looking at assembling the Nissan Kicks very soon to further bring down the cost.”
Nigeria bound models combine larger and wider tyres aimed at significantly improving high-speed performance and low-speed ride comfort on undulating or rough roads.
Nissan as usual, does not compromise on safety. Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), EBD and Brake Assist highlight the Kicks’ comprehensive level of safety equipment and part of the safety paraphernalia are five-seat belts and rear-view camera as optional equipment.
The Kicks is undoubtedly everything Nissan has leaned as the crossover pioneer and it has spared nothing in making the vehicle one of the most attractive crossover yet – incorporating Nissan’s design cues and tagline –“Innovation that Excites.”
MIKE OCHONMA
