AUDACIOUS NISSAN KICKS IS INEXPENSIVE, STYLISH AND A FUEL-SIPPER!
By NITISH S. RELE – motoringtampabay@gmail.com
“Now, that’s an odd-looking vehicle!” could be a quite natural response by just an initial and hasty glance at the Nissan Kicks. But that is understandable. After all, the cheeky-styled SUV teases the onlooker with a ‘floating roof’ and raked windshield meeting up to boomerang multi-reflector LED headlights and recognizable double V-motion dark satin chrome grille.
Under the hood of the front-wheel-drive-only subcompact SUV sits a 1.6-liter inline-4 cylinder engine putting out 122 horsepower @ 6300 rpm and 114 pounds-feet of torque @ 4000 rpm with Xtronic continuously variable transmission. An independent strut front and twist-beam rear suspension work well to absorb rough road bumps while the electric power steering returns a direct response to the driver’s input.
The interior with its “gliding-wing” dash design is airy allowing five to sit in comfort. There’s 43.7 cubic feet of front legroom space while the cargo area boasts 25.3 cubic feet for your luggage. Ingress and egress are easy with the 60/40-split rear seat. The SR trim, which we test drove, comes with an array of amenities such as a D-shaped leather tilt/telescopic steering column, auto a/c, 8-inch touch screen for infotainment, 7-inch driver information system, six-way manual driver and four-way front-passenger leatherette seats, adaptive cruise control, Bose audio with eight speakers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, chrome door handles, four USB ports, push-button start and power windows/door locks.
Dual front and side airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes with traction, vehicle dynamic control, blind spot, lane departure and forward-collision warnings, around-view monitor, rear cross traffic alert, auto emergency brakes with pedestrian detection, hill start assist, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system are standard.
Millennials, singles and couples without children, the tech reliant, exploratory and image-conscious folks should have a go or two at the economical subcompact SUV. It starts at only $19,990 for the base trim and peaks around $22,550 with some attractive perks in the mix.
Sure, the Kicks appears quirky, but it is also nimble, fuel efficient (we averaged around 35 mpg in combined driving) and a sporty alternative to some bland SUVs on the road. Rest assured, if you are looking for attention while strolling the streets, you have earned it! The practical ride has a few ‘Kicks’ to it!
KICKS (SR)
Tires: 205/55R17
Wheelbase: 103.1 inches
Length: 169.1 inches
Width: 69.3 inches
Height: 63.4 inches
Weight: 2,752 pounds
Fuel capacity: 10.8 gallons
City: 31 mpg
Highway: 36 mpg
Price as tested: $25,930
Web site: www.nissanusa.com