Nissan is working on a compact SUV called the Kicks which is expected to make its global debut at the 2016 Olympics while the Indian launch is not expected before 2017.
The compact SUV segment in India is growing rapidly with all the automakers trying to get into the segment which was created by the Renault Duster in 2012 and was ruled by the Ford EcoSport before new launches such as the Hyundai Creta and Mahindra TUV300. Maruti Suzuki will enter the segment with the new Vitara Brezza which is scheduled to be unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo.
Nissan already has its Terrano in this segment but the Japanese manufacturer is planning something more promising with the new Kicks. The new compact SUV is expected to make its Indian debut next year with the global debut expected at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
Technical information about the Nissan Kicks is still under cover but it is expected to be built on the automaker’s V-platform which currently forms the basis for the Micra and Sunny. The compact SUV is based on the Kicks concept showcased at the 2016 Sao Paulo Motor Show.
The Nissan Kicks is primarily targeted to sell in Latin American markets. The Brazilian spec compact SUV is expected to be powered by the 1.8-litre FLEX engine while the Indian spec is expected to be powered by a lower displacement engine such as the 1.5-litre diesel found in the Terrano.
The Nissan Kicks is developed by joint efforts of the Nissan Design America – Rio (NDA-R) and Nissan Design America (NDA) in San Diego. The compact SUV will be placed below the Terrano and will take on the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Mahindra TUV300 and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. It is expected to be priced from Rs. 7 lakhs.
Source – IndiaToday.in