Just days after announcing its new strategy for the Indian market, Japanese automaker Nissan Motor has released the first sketches of the upcoming Kicks compact SUV. The Nissan Kicks has been confirmed for an Indian launch in early 2019. The model will be the first of many new products across the Nissan and Datsun brand, which the company plans to introduce over the next few years. The Kicks SUV is already on sale internationally and is based on the V-platform. The India-spec version though will be based on the B0 that also underpins the Renault Duster and Captur, as well as the Nissan Terrano.
Also Read: Nissan Announces New Strategy For India With Kicks SUV To Lead Charge
As a result, the India spec Nissan Kicks is expected to sport a longer wheelbase than the international version, while also making way for improved cabin space and boot capacity. The design though, will be in-line with Nissan's global design language featuring the V-motion front grille. The sketches reveal beefed wheel arches, raked A-pillar and an agile stance on the compact SUV. Also expect to see LED equipped headlamps and boomerang-shaped taillights.
(The Nissan Kicks for India will be longer than the international version)
The Nissan Kicks will be positioned as a premium offering in the company's stable and will be positioned above the Terrano. The mechanical configuration is likely to be the same as the Renault Captur with power will come from the 1.5-litre diesel engine that is tuned to produce 108 bhp and 240 Nm of peak torque, while paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 1.5-litre petrol with 106 bhp is also likely to be on offer. It needs to be seen if Nissan will introduce the automatic version of the Kicks at the time of the launch.
Also Read: Nissan Kicks Spotted Testing In India For The First Time
Expect more details on the new Nissan Kicks to be revealed in the following weeks, leading up to the launch. The SUV is targeted at a younger and more urban customer base. The Kicks will be competing against a host of offerings including the Jeep Compass, Hyundai Creta among other models in this space.
