Nissan has officially taken the wraps off the new Kicks, and the latest compact crossover from the Japanese automaker is heading for South Africa.
Measuring around 4,3 metres in length, the Kicks – which draws styling cues from the original concept unveiled at the Sao Paulo Motor Show back in 2014 – is some 160 mm longer than the Nissan Juke. This sees it slot into the crossover line-up below the Qashqai.
Sales of the new model are scheduled to begin in Brazil in August, with Latin American left-hand drive markets to follow later in 2016.
Nissan says the Kicks will ultimately be introduced to more than 80 markets around the world, with South Africa excepted to receive its first shipment some time in 2018.
The newcomer features plenty of Nissan’s established design signatures, including the “V-motion” grille, boomerang headlamps and taillights, and floating roof. Nissan adds that its engineers paid particular attention to the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance.
Inside, Nissan reckons the Kicks “promises best-in-class passenger space in the rear as well as one of the largest load areas in its class”.
For the time being, Nissan is keeping its cards close to its chest in terms of what sort of powerplant will propel the Nissan Kicks.