Nissan has teased Kicks urban SUV in China which will premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show 2017 which opens on 19th April 2017.
Primarily developed for the emerging markets, the Kicks was first introduced in Brazil last year. The Japanese automaker confirmed plans to sell the SUV in more than 80 countries. The small SUV measures 4,295 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width and 1,590 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,610 mm.
Related: Nissan Kicks to Reach Asia-Pacific Markets
The Nissan Kicks rides on the V platform that underpins even the fifth-gen Nissan Micra that went on sale in Europe earlier this year. It’s powered by a revised version of the HR16DE 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces develops 84 kW (114 PS) and 152 Nm of torque in the Brazilian-spec version and 88 kW (119 PS) and 149 Nm of torque in the Latin American-spec version. The Brazilian-spec version’s engine uses a petrol-ethanol flex-fuel system. Power is channeled to the wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission or the Xtronic continuously variable transmission.
V-motion grille, 17-inch wheels, boomerang tail lights, full-color seven-inch TFT information display, 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Traction Control System, Vehicle Dynamic Control and 360-degree Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection are some of the highlights of the Nissan Kicks.
Related: Production of 2017 Nissan Micra Commences in Europe
The Chinese-spec version is said to get the 124 hp HR15 1.5-litre engine instead of the HR16DE 1.6-litre engine. The Kicks will be developed by the Dongfeng-Nissan joint venture and will go on sale in China towards the end of this year.
Nissan will launch 8 new models before 2021, Kicks SUV being the first of them and is expected to increase Nissan’s market share in Japan’s domestic as well as overseas markets. Whether Pakistan is included in the list of those 80 countries Nissan is planning to launch the Kicks, is yet to be known.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
