Nissan Kicks 2018 Review
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Nissan Kicks 2018 Review: A Compact SUV with Style and Value
Overview
The Nissan Kicks is a good-looking car and it’s a special one, for not only does it replace the similarly-sized Juke, but the smaller Tiida as well. Two birds with one stone then, the Kicks takes on the youthful SUV segment that is home to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Soul, and Renault Captur. The starting price is AED 62,000 with the fully-loaded model coming in at an acceptable AED 79,000.
Exterior
Despite omitting the funky design and dazzling color options of its predecessor (the Juke), the Kicks retains its joyous character. Flaunting the brand’s V-motion grille and boomerang-shaped headlamps, its unique design is complemented by a floating roof, 17-inch alloys, and a powerful stance. Simply put, there’s nothing like it on the road, and it does turn quite a few heads as you drive around town.
Interior
The Kicks displays its modernity with piano black and silver finishes complemented by contrast stitching along the dashboard, leather seats, and a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel. The uncluttered center console houses USB & AUX audio inputs and plenty of usable cubby holes to store phones, wallets, water bottles, and more.
In the back, legroom and headroom are in line with what the competition offers, but overall comfort is lacking. The rear seats are stiff, lack the option to recline, and the absence of rear A/C vents is a disadvantage during the scorching summer months.
Features
For AED 79,000, the Nissan Kicks 2018 offers an adequate amount of tech. Notable features include:
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Automatic headlamps
- Steering audio and Bluetooth controls
- Automatic air conditioning
- 7-inch infotainment screen with an Around View Monitor
- Intelligent proximity key
However, the omission of essential features like Cruise Control is puzzling.
Drive
Targeted towards young, trendy drivers and possibly new license holders, the Kicks is effortless to maneuver with light steering and phenomenal outward visibility. Its dimensions are easy to judge, and despite its small size, it maintains its ground against larger vehicles on the highway.
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter engine that produces 118 horsepower and 149 Nm of torque, which is the weakest among its rivals. The Kicks clocks 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds and averages an impressive 13 kilometers per liter of gasoline.
Helping it achieve that figure is a D-step CVT transmission that mimics the shifting pattern of an automatic transmission to reduce the annoying drone and rubber band effect typical of CVTs. Around town, the Kicks features several driving aids including Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control, and Active Ride Control to help drivers maximize their experience.
One standout feature is the Active Trace Control system, which applies a small, unnoticeable amount of brakes to the inner wheels to help correct the vehicle's line and avoid understeer when cornering at high speeds.
Verdict
The 2018 Nissan Kicks isn’t as bold as its predecessor, and for those looking to make a statement, there are far more flamboyant vehicles available. Subtlety and maturity are how the Kicks has opted to play its cards, and for AED 79,000, it’s a good car if you’re willing to overlook some of its shortcomings.
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