Nissan Unveils Next-Gen Kicks: Bigger, Bolder, and Brimming with Tech
Nissan has pulled the wraps off the new Nissan Kicks ahead of its highly anticipated debut at the New York Motor Show 2024. This revamped version of the popular SUV is not only larger in all dimensions but also shares striking similarities with the Mitsubishi X-Force SUV, a successful model sold in markets like Indonesia and beyond.
The latest iteration of the Kicks boasts a refreshed design inside and out, sporting new powertrain options, enhanced off-road capabilities, and a host of additional features and tech upgrades across select variants. This global SUV is set to make waves in the automotive world.
Unlike its predecessor, which had different versions depending on the market, the new Kicks now sits on a unified platform designed for all regions. Based on the ASEAN market XForce SUV from Mitsubishi, the new Kicks shares its platform, body panels (albeit with some design tweaks), interior components, and several other mechanical elements. This platform, a derivative of the Mitsubishi GS Platform, also underpins models like the Xpander and Nissan Livinia MPVs in Indonesia.
The new Kicks is poised to be a game-changer in both left and right-hand drive markets worldwide, serving as Nissan’s entry-level SUV in North America and other key regions.
In terms of styling, the new Kicks inherits some body panels from the XForce SUV, including the doors and roof, and features a sleek coupe-like roofline. The SUV’s exterior is further enhanced by chunky wheel arches, matte black body cladding, and, in top variants, stunning 19-inch alloy wheels. Up front, horizontal LEDs seamlessly integrate into a large black-finished area surrounding the grille, while uniquely shaped LED taillamps adorn the rear.
Inside, the new Kicks offers a more premium feel than ever before, with Nissan incorporating high-quality materials throughout the cabin. The highlight is the large 12.3-inch infotainment screen, complemented by touch-sensitive controls for the HVAC and climate control, four USB-C ports, a wireless charging pad, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Some variants even come equipped with headrest-mounted BOSE speakers.
On the safety and tech front, the new Kicks is packed with features. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 ADAS Suite, including Intelligent Cruise Control, comes standard, with the top variant offering the Nissan ProPILOT Assist system as an upgrade, providing steering assistance to help keep the driver centered in their lane.
Despite the buzz surrounding the new Kicks, it’s unlikely to make its way to India anytime soon. Nissan’s focus in the Indian market remains on its existing models, including the successful Magnite compact SUV. While plans for an MPV based on the Renault Triber and a Nissan-badged SUV are in the pipeline, the launch of the new Kicks in India seems to be on hold for now.
