Test drive: Nissan Kicks, youthful and attractive

Test drive: Nissan Kicks, youthful and attractive

Nissan’s proposal is clear: that everyone identifies from afar any model of the brand. This is due to its modern front grill called V-Motion, which all its vehicles have.

With this feature came the new Kicks, which maintains the previous dimensions: 4,309 mm long, 1,760 mm wide, 1,610 mm high and 2,620 mm between the axles, with 200 mm of ground clearance.

The novelties of this Japanese SUV are concentrated on the front and the skirt, with small design tweaks that seek to give it a more accomplished and premium appearance. At the front, its new wide and dark grille frame stands out, the same one that is in piano black, new front and rear bumpers, fog light inserts in vertical format with tiny fog lights and narrower headlights.

Back, the silhouette does not present major changes, except for the new shark fin antenna and the visually united taillights.

Engine, power and box

The engine is the same that Kicks has had since its birth: four-cylinder with 1.6 liters of displacement and a maximum power of 120 horsepower, with 149 Nm of torque. It is the same impeller that he used in other models like the current Versa. It is paired with a five-speed manual or CVT automatic gearbox. It only comes in front-wheel drive versions.

Photo: John Sanchez Correa

It is an agile behavior engine, although nothing too surprising and performance according, within the average. Enough to move freely in urban traffic, without the need for sudden acceleration.

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Inside

The new Kicks retains the well-used, ergonomic vibe we’ve come to know, except that the side glass area is relatively narrow, leaving more surface area exposed for the huge, rigid plastic door pieces. Another point in favor are the 432 liters available in its cargo area.

The seats with Zero Gravity technology from Nissan, which really offer very good levels of comfort and support. The adjustment of the seats is manual in all versions.

Photo: John Sanchez Correa

One of the strengths of the Kicks is the issue of connectivity. In this case, its resources include audio controls at the helm and hands-free via Bluetooth, as well as a new and very friendly infotainment system with a 7″ touch screen with voice recognition and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Security

From the Entry version, the Kicks user has a complete package of security features that includes vehicle dynamic control (VDC), six airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA). There is also a Hill Ascent Assistant (HSA), a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and an anchorage system for the Isofix baby seat.

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On going!

The Kicks came to the writing of MOTORES in its Drive version with manual gear, in other countries it is the Advance MT version. Three versions are marketed in our country: Entry, Drive and Advance.

From the outset, this vehicle impresses with its beautiful and robust front design, which makes it look bigger than it really is. We tested it both in the city and on the highway and its performance is optimal and economical, taking into account that it has the same engine as the Nissan Versa.

We started the trip from Guayaquil to the El Morro parish, eight minutes from General Villamil Playas. During the journey, the relaxation of the engine allows no mechanical noise to enter the cabin. The suspension is comfortable, with soft spring tuning and energetic shock absorbers, the brakes are easy to modulate and powerful, while the steering is smooth and aims well.

Regarding habitability, taking into account a driver of 1.74 m, in the lowest adjustment position of the seat we have 17 cm from the head to the ceiling and if we raise it to its maximum travel we still have 9 cm left. Also for the rear seats, taking into account a passenger of the same size, the measurements are significant; It has 15 cm from the knees to the backrest of the front seats and 8 cm from the ceiling. When we talk about these conditions we always think of long journeys, where we all need to feel comfortable so that the trip does not become tedious. The center seat is a little smaller: a child or someone with a small frame should sit there. Maybe for a next update they should integrate a couple of USB connectors for the rear passengers.

On the highway and at the maximum speed allowed, this SUV is quite firm and poised despite its high center of gravity. It never showed unstable inclinations or tendencies that put the occupants at risk. In general, it is a logical vehicle, which responds to each stimulus or requirement of the driver.

Fuel consumption, on average, Both on the highway and in the city, it yields approximately 40 km/gallon, using ecopaĆ­s gasoline. It should be noted that in the Kicks the engine does not feel forced with this type of fuel, neither on the flat nor going up a hill.

In conclusion, this vehicle is ideal for those who want to have their first SUV or for small families. Its design looks sporty and its driving mode is comfortable. (YO)

Source: Eluniverso

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