When Nissan killed the Juke final 12 months, I am going to admit it left somewhat gap in my coronary heart. The ugly-cute crossover SUV was enjoyable to drive and appealed to my feelings like few crossovers do. Now for 2018, Nissan has launched the Kicks. Sure, in a advertising and marketing transfer positive to upset my grade-school grammar instructor, the Kicks’ identify is oddly plural (not not like the Armada and Maxima earlier than it). And whereas the Kicks shouldn’t be a flat-out substitute for my favourite Nissan crossover, it is actually reaching for a similar younger and young-at-heart viewers.The Kicks, accessible in S, SV and SR trims, is technically categorised as a hatchback by the EPA, however Nissan calls it an entry-level crossover SUV. It’s kind of bigger than the Versa Word, Nissan’s extra conventional, economy-minded hatchback, however is shorter in stature than the bigger Rogue Sport. Whether or not you name it a crossover or a hatch, it begins at only a smidge over $18,000, making it one of many least-expensive automobiles on the market.
We obtained our first glimpse of the Kicks approach again in 2014 as an idea on the Sao Paulo Motor Present. Whereas its design is not as crazy-funky because the Juke, you may actually see the latter’s affect. A brief wheelbase is capped by a sloping roof, heading into taillights that may solely be described as asymmetrical. The Kicks is obtainable in seven colours, together with groovy two-tone mixtures, and you’ll even color-customize elements like door handles and mirror caps within the Nissan Shade Studio. By no means liftAs with most cheap crossovers, the Kicks’ energy is on the low aspect. A 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine knocks out a mere 125 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. The excellent news is the Kicks competes within the light-weight class. In base S trim, it ideas the scales at a mere 2,672 kilos, giving it an inexpensive power-to-weight ratio. It is no tire slayer, and steep hills require momentum and a few planning, however this Nissan shouldn’t be almost as sluggish as I believed it was going to be.Small and not-so-mighty.
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As with most up to date Nissans, energy will get to the pavement by means of a constantly variable transmission. Upon full throttle, the transmission throws up a good quantity of noise, nevertheless it acts vaguely like a typical computerized, with simulated upshifts bringing the engine again to decrease revs when simply cruising alongside. When you’re hoping for all-wheel drive, you are out of luck — regardless of its could-be crossover classification, the Kicks is simply accessible with front-wheel drive.A small, flat-bottomed steering wheel has good weight to its motion, with a comparatively fast ratio that permits for crisp turn-in. That stated, my tester reveals a bizarre quirk the place the wheel appears to have a tough time returning to heart — the standard quantity of back-to-center help would not appear to be there. The Kicks is nowhere close to as enjoyable to drive because the late, more-powerful Juke or the more-expensive Mazda CX-Three, nevertheless it supplies a reliable driving expertise on again roads, in step with different automobiles at this value. On the freeway, there may be extra wind noise than street noise, nevertheless it’s mitigated by a bumpin’ optionally available Bose stereo with eight audio system, together with two within the driver’s headrest. The Kicks will get an EPA-estimated gas financial system score of 31 miles per gallon within the metropolis, 36 mpg on the freeway and 33 mpg mixed. Throughout my week with it I obtained a bit lower than that mixed score because of my heavy proper foot, netting 31 mpg total. Nonetheless, these EPA numbers just about kick butt in comparison with the competitors. The Mazda CX-Three, the perfect of the remainder, returns solely 29 mpg within the metropolis, 34 on the freeway and 31 mixed.Technically soundCabin know-how is in surprisingly excessive provide, with three commonplace USB ports, and each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in SV and SR trims. The Nissan Join infotainment system runs on a 7-inch touchscreen that is commonplace throughout the board. The infotainment structure is a little more streamlined, with a customizable dwelling display screen and menus which are simpler to navigate. With smartphone mirroring, the system is rather more user-friendly than in different Nissans I’ve pushed. Let’s hope the development continues.Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are each commonplace on all however the lowest trim.
Nissan
Driver’s aids are a bit on the sunshine aspect, though computerized emergency braking is commonplace on all Kicks (there’s that bizarre plural once more). Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available in on the mid-trim SV, whereas the top-of-the-line SR will get a 360-degree digicam. Adaptive cruise management and lane protecting help should not accessible on any mannequin, giving an edge to opponents just like the Toyota C-HR.As a lot as I like the surface of Nissan’s runabout, there are a number of inside options that really feel actually low cost. There’s the anticipated quantity of laborious surfaces, which once more, is forgivable at this low value level, however the door panel options an awkwardly proportioned design, leading to an enormous expanse of clean laborious plastic. I perceive that not every little thing will be tender and supple, however this simply calls consideration to the usage of cheaper supplies. At the very least there may be some good distinction stitching on the seats and sprint.
The excellent news is Nissan makes its super-comfy Zero Gravity Seats commonplace. I am unsure what sort of voodoo magic is in these seats, however aside from luxurious automobiles, I believe these are the perfect hindquarter cradlers available on the market.Cargo house within the Kicks is solidly mid-class. You may discover 25.Three cubic toes behind the rear seats, a tad higher than the Honda HR-V and Kia Soul — sufficient to hold three large baggage of video gear. The accessible 53.1 cubes with the rear seats folded is lower than the Soul and HR-V, however a lot better than the Toyota C-HR and Mazda CX-Three. When it comes to stashing gadgets within the entrance, I might welcome a middle storage field. As soon as my cellphone, sun shades and soda are saved, there is no place for a pockets or home keys. How I would spec itFor my cash I would begin with the SR trim, for $20,590, not solely to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however that is the one strategy to get the Premium Bundle with the Bose stereo and heated seats, a further $1,000 properly spent. I would additionally splurge and spend $150 to get a two-toned paint job. My grand whole for my dream Kicks is $22,785, together with $1,045 for vacation spot. The take a look at automobile you see right here has an as-tested value of $22,980 because of the addition of… ground mats. Beginning at $18,290, it is robust to discover a subcompact crossover provided as inexpensively because the Nissan Kicks. It is cheaper than the Hyundai Kona, Ford EcoSport and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. In actual fact, solely the Kia Soul, at a beginning value of $16,490, bests the Kicks in value. Certain, most folk will spring for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and blind spot monitoring, placing the value nearer to $20,000, however the brand new Nissan is chock-full of worth. It gives wonderful fuel mileage, a enjoyable and funky design and good utility. Simply do not anticipate any grammar classes.