KICKS
Tires: 205/60R16
Wheelbase: 103.1 inches
Length: 169.1 inches
Width: 69.3 inches
Height: 62.4 inches
Suspension: independent strut front, multilink rear
Steering: electric power
Weight: 2,672 pounds
Fuel capacity: 10.8 gallons
City: 31 mpg
Highway: 36 mpg
Web site: www.nissanusa.com
The all-new 2018 Kicks, an entry-level and affordable crossover utility vehicle, essentially ‘kicks’ off the CUV/SUV lineup for Nissan. Millennials, singles and couples without children, the tech reliant, exploratory and image-conscious folks should have a go or two at the front-wheel-drive compact crossover. It makes perfect sense. After all, it starts at only $17,990 for the base trim (S, SV, SR and SR premium available) and peaks around $21,000 with some attractive perks in the mix. That is great value for the money.
We had the opportunity to test drive the Kicks on the busy streets of Miami and came away impressed with the vehicle’s nimbleness, handling and balance. Nissan informs us that the Brazilian ‘Kicks Concept’ was the inspiration behind its origin, reflecting the vibrancy and exuberance of the carnival theme. It comes in just one power train, a 1.6-liter inline-4 cylinder engine putting out 125 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 115 pounds-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm with Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Sitting on a unibody-type structure is the familiar V motion grille flanked by boomerang halogen headlights and tail lamps. Seven exterior colors are available with a few two-tone combinations.
The interior with its ‘gliding-wing’ dash design is spacious allowing five to sit in comfort. There’s 43.7 cubic ft. of front legroom space while the cargo area boasts 25.3 cubic ft. for your luggage. Ingress and egress is easy with the 60/40-split rear seat. Go for the S model and you can have such standard amenities as a D-shaped tilt/telescopic steering wheel, a/c, 7-inch touch screen for audio and phone controls, driver information system, six-way manual driver and four-way front-passenger cloth seats, cruise control, three USB ports, remote keyless entry, power windows/door locks, etc.
The Kicks is an excellent effort by Nissan to put out an entry-level compact crossover on the market. Boldly styled, sporty, practical and economical, this crossover definitely has a few ‘Kicks’ to become another hot-seller for the Japanese carmaker.
