Speculations abound that Nissan India is close to launching the much-awaited Kicks compact SUV in India. While we are yet to get an exact launch date, images of a Nissan Kicks testing on the Indian roads have surfaced on the cyberspace. As per the source of these images, the test mule was spotted on the Nilgiri mountain roads. In India, the Nissan Kicks SUV will rival the Hyundai Creta and the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross.
The Nissan Kicks is a globally acclaimed model that has been selling well in many parts of the world. The India-spec version, however, won’t be exactly like the global version. It is being reported that Nissan’s design chief, Alfonso Albaisa, has informed select media that the India-spec model will look better than the international version. From the looks of it, the Nissan Kicks SUV for India will have slightly different rear doors and a different beltline.
Internationally, the Nissan Kicks SUV is underpinned by the company’s V platform. The India-spec model, however, will have Dacia’s low-cost B0-platform. It may be noted here that a similar approach was taken for the India-spec Renault Captur. The tried-and-tested B0 platform underpins the Duster, Terrano and the Captur. Akin to the Captur, which borrows its engines from the Duster, the Kicks will likely share its motors with the Terrano SUV. For the uninitiated, the Terrano is essentially a Renault Duster with slightly different looks and a Nissan badge. The Kicks isn’t sold with All-Wheel Drive anywhere in the world and even the India-spec model won’t offer it.
The Nissan Kicks compact SUV will be produced at the Renault-Nissan plant located in Oragadum, Chennai. It’s being said that the launch of this SUV will take place early next year. Prices are likely to start around Rs 10 lakh. It will offer a long list of features, including some premium bits like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and reverse parking sensors and camera. Dual front airbags with ABS and EBD will be standard across all the trims. The Nissan Kicks will become a direct rival to the Hyundai Creta and the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross.
Source – Indian Autos Blog
Here is how the Nissan Kicks looks, via the official TVC
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