Nissan wants "gold medal" with the Nissan Kicks - Report
Will rival the popular Honda HR-V in Brazil.
Speaking to Autos Segredos, Francois Dossa, president of Nissan Brazil, wants the Nissan Kicks to achieve the "gold medal" in the market. In other words, he would like to see Nissan's new compact SUV overtake the popular Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade in its segment. Dossa made his wish in the backdrop of the 2016 Rio Olympics that kicks off in August, of which the company is a main sponsor.
When launched for sale in August 2016, the Nissan Kicks will only be available in the top-end SL grade as well as a 'Rio' Edition that is limited to 1,000 examples. Both are powered by a 1.6-litre flex-fuel engine paired to only a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as Mr Dossa has ruled out a manual transmission for the Kicks.
As for the Indian market, it was reported that the Nissan Kicks will arrive in 2017 in the country. Given that the V-Platform it's based on is highly localized in India, the Kicks can be competitively priced to take on probable rivals like the Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, as well its own sibling - the Nissan Terrano. Nissan has not confirmed plans for the Kicks in India yet.
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The Brazilian spec Nissan Kicks 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. The exterior features a contemporary styling inspired by Nissan’s latest design language, including the V-motion grille, boomerang shaped lights, and the floating roof with a "wrap-around visor" look to the windshield and side glass.
[Source: Autos Segredos]