Nissan Kicks – Brazil starts the ball rolling in August

The Nissan Kicks, which was unveiled in May, will begin selling in Brazil on August 5. Following its retail debut there, the B-segment SUV will be introduced by the end of the year in other Latin American markets, and will eventually be sold in more than 80 countries.

Underpinned by Nissan’s V Platform, which has been uprated specifically for its application here, the Honda HR-V rival measures in at 4,295 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,590 mm high, with a 2,610 mm-long wheelbase. A generous ground clearance of 200 mm along with short front and rear overhangs ensures the Kicks can cope with the multitude of obstacles typically found in a city environment.

Distinctive exterior elements include a V-motion grille, boomerang headlamps and tailamps and a floating roof with a “wrap-around visor” look. The SUV rides on 16-inch wheels as standard, though a 17-inch option is available.

The Brazilian version of the Kicks is powered by a 1.6 litre HR16DE petrol engine, and in its application here develops 114 PS and 152 Nm. In other Latin American markets, the unit will have 119 PS and 149 Nm for output numbers.

The Brazilian-spec engine will utilise a petrol/methanol flex-fuel system, which features a Flex Start System (FSS) with an inbuilt fuel heating system to ensure rapid warm up from a cold start. Drivetrain choices for the SUV are an Xtronic CVT gearbox or a five-speed manual transmission.

Nissan says that despite the coupe-like roofline, the interior promises best in-class passenger space in the rear, and there’s no skimping on storage space and cubby holes within the cabin. Meanwhile, the luggage load area offers 383 liters of space, making it one of the largest in its class.

A lot of attention has been paid to ride refinement – aside from a strong focus on aerodynamic performance and the reduction of wind-related noise, traditional techniques have been applied to reduce NVH levels, and these include the utilisation of improved dash insulation material, thicker carpets and improved sealing around the doors.

In base variants, the Kicks is equipped with manual air conditioning, but higher spec versions come with a climate control system. Also, on higher grade models, the infotainment system comes with a full colour screen, with audio, satellite navigation and full smartphone integration on offer, as well as on-the-move access to Facebook, Google Online Search and Twitter.

Plenty in the way of safety equipment and driver-assist tech. On the list is Chassis Dynamic Control, Active Trace Control, Active Ride Control and Active Engine Braking – the automaker says the Kicks is the first vehicle in its segment to offer these key innovations.

Also on, around-view monitor and moving object detection systems, with four integrated cameras located at each corner (front, rear and sides) of the vehicle offering the driver a warning of potential hazards.

To cater to initial demand in Brazil, the Kicks will be produced at Nissan’s benchmark plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Full-scale production is set to begin at the automaker’s facility in Resende, Rio de Janeiro, from the first quarter of 2017.

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