Reader spots the Nissan Kicks testing in Chennai

IAB reader Harini T Raja has shared fresh spy shots of the Nissan Kicks from Anna Salai in Chennai.

The Kicks debuted in 2016 as Nissan's B-SUV for Latin America. Two years in, the car is shouldering the interim responsibility of replacing the Nissan Juke in developed markets. With this model, Nissan aims to enter one of the fastest-growing segments in India, dominated by the Maruti Vitara Brezza at the low-end and Hyundai Creta at the high-end.

Longer than 4,000 mm, the Nissan Kicks will rival the Hyundai Creta and the upcoming VW T-Cross. Nissan is using the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s dual-spec platform strategy to make the Kicks more affordable in our price-sensitive market. While the global version rides on the V platform, the Indian-spec version will share its base with the Nissan Terrano, Renault Duster and the Renault Captur.

Nissan will likely offer the Kicks in India with 1.5-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol engines with a 6-speed manual transmission and perhaps later, a CVT option. Boomerang-shaped LED headlights with LED signature accents, 17-inch alloy wheels, 7-inch driver information display, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite-navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, six-speaker sound system, TPMS and seven airbags are some of the expected features of the Indian-spec Nissan Kicks.

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The Nissan Kicks could make its first official appearance in India towards the end of this year. Its market release will take place in the first quarter of next year with exports planned as well. The Kicks will slot above the Terrano, the prices of which start from INR 9,99,000 (ex-showroom Delhi).