Remember the Micra? How about the Versa Note? Both were subcompact hatchbacks from Nissan, and both were discontinued from our market in 2019, at least partially due to our collective love affair with…

Nissan toughens up Kicks design while providing improved infotainment for 2021

2021 Nissan Kicks
The refreshed 2021 Nissan Kicks sports a larger, bolder grille and totally reworked front fascia design.

Remember the Micra? How about the Versa Note? Both were subcompact hatchbacks from Nissan, and both were discontinued from our market in 2019, at least partially due to our collective love affair with SUVs.

While probably more profitable for Nissan, this is not necessarily great news for entry-level car buyers, as the days of new $10,500 Micras and $14,500 Versa Notes are long gone. As it is, today’s $16,498 Versa sedan is the Japanese brand’s least expensive option.

Nissan’s entry-level hatchback is in fact the Kicks SUV, available from $19,398 plus freight and fees last year, and soon starting from $19,898 in refreshed form for 2021. They should be arriving at Canadian Nissan retailers soon, at which point Nissan will likely update its website to reflect their availability (only 2020 models were showing at the time of publishing).

2021 Nissan Kicks
A redesigned bumper provides an updated look from the rear.

A quick glance at the new 2021 Kicks and it will be easy to see that the auto industry’s bigger is better trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down, with the new models’ grille augmented significantly over the original design it replaces. This makes for a more imposing visual presence, albeit with a feistier, more impish attitude than the brand’s larger SUVs. The chromed grille surround nicely flows up and outward into a sharply shaped set of horizontal headlight clusters, while new LED fog lamps can be found just below on the model’s sportiest and priciest SR trim line. Changes are less noticeable down each side and in back, the former including new LED turn signals integrated into the side mirror caps, and the latter including a redesigned bumper.

2021 Nissan Kicks
The updated look ties in well with the rest of Nissan’s refreshed and redesigned SUVs.

Making the slight bump in pricing still more palatable, new standard exterior features include automatic on/off headlights, heated side mirrors, and a rear wiper/washer, while updates to the interior include a new standard 7.0-inch infotainment display with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. This gets upgraded to a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen in mid-range SV and top-line SR trims, while additional options include a leather-wrapped steering wheel rim and shift knob, a single-zone automatic climate control system, plus Bose audio.

2021 Nissan Kicks
LED fog lamps are added to the Kicks’ sportiest SR trim.

Those wanting more power will need to be satisfied for the time being, as the Kicks’ sole 122 horsepower 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine remains unchanged, including its 114 lb-ft of torque. This entry-level model is more about fuel economy than all-out performance anyway, aided by an efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT) the continues into 2021 as standard equipment. Although fuel economy details have yet to surface for the 2021 model, today’s Kicks is rated at 7.7 L/100km in the city, 6.6 on the highway and 7.2 combined with its front-wheel drivetrain, and take note Nissan doesn’t offer an all-wheel drive upgrade for this model.

2021 Nissan Kicks
New side mirror housings incorporate LED turn signals.

Along with excellent fuel economy, the 2021 Kicks comes well equipped with advanced safety and convenience features including standard automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, lane-departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam assist. Moving up to SV or SR trims adds driver alertness monitoring and a rear door alert system that warns when something or someone may have been left in the rear seating area, while top-line SR Premium trim includes a 360-degree surround parking camera.

2021 Nissan Kicks
The updated interior includes larger standard 7.0-inch and optional 8.0-inch infotainment displays.

At nearly $20k, the 2021 Kicks is priced right for a small SUV. In fact, the Kicks remains one of the most affordable new sport utilities on the Canadian market. Then again, the Kicks is now the entry point for a Nissan hatchback, which means Nissan no longer has anything to compete with the likes of Chevy’s super-cheap $10,198 Spark (which replaces the Micra as Canada’s most affordable car), Mitsubishi’s $13,858 Mirage, Hyundai’s $14,949 Accent, Kia’s $17,295 Rio 5-Door, or Honda’s now discontinued $16,390 Fit and Toyota’s similarly cancelled $17,290 Yaris Hatchback (2020 models of each are still available at some retailers), these last two joining Ford’s Fiesta that was shuffled out of blue-oval showrooms the year prior. Can you see a theme here?

2021 Nissan Kicks
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard across the line.

Giving the Kicks a serious run for its SUV money is the Hyundai Venue, a direct hit at $17,599, while Kia’s $21,195 Soul, Hyundai’s $21,299 Kona, Mazda’s $21,300 CX-3, Nissan’s own $21,598 Qashqai, and Chevrolet’s $21,998 Trax don’t cost much more, nor for that matter does Kia’s $23,095 Seltos, Mitsubishi’s $23,198 RVR, Subaru’s $23,795 Crosstrek, Chevy’s $23,798 Trailblazer, or Toyota’s $23,950 C-HR.

If you think this market segment is packed full of competitors, consider that Ford’s EcoSport, Honda’s HR-V, Jeep’s Compass and Renegade, plus Fiat’s 500X and Mini’s Countryman (arguably a premium subcompact SUV) weren’t even mentioned because they’re all priced over $25k (some well over), while Dodge and Volkswagen don’t even offer anything in this category, but the domestic and German brands should ante up something soon if they want to build their brands with first-time new car buyers, and thus remain relevant.

2021 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks continues to offer a roomy interior for good SUV value.

Look for the 2021 Kicks to arrive at Nissan Canada retailers later this month, or if you’re hoping to get a great deal you may want to check out the 2020 Kicks that’s not only priced lower, but can currently be had with up to $3,000 in additional incentives. Go to the 2020 Nissan Kicks Canada Prices page at CarCostCanada to find out how you can save big time, whether on manufacturer rebates as well as factory leasing and financing deals when offered, plus dealer invoice pricing all the time, the latter potentially saving you thousands off of any new vehicle. What’s more, make sure to download the free CarCostCanada app from Google Play Store or the Apple Store, so you can have all of this vital money saving information at your fingertips when you need it most.

Also, make sure to check out the complete photo gallery above, and enjoy the official Nissan-supplied videos that follow.

 

2021 Nissan Kicks Connected Technology (1:15):

2021 Nissan Kicks Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies (1:08):

2021 Nissan Kicks Overview (2:24):

2021 New NISSAN Kicks LIVE Walkaround & Review (4:44):

New 2021 Nissan Kicks | Limitless Possibilities (0:15):

2021 Nissan Armada and Kicks Walkaround with Nissan U.S. CMO Allyson Witherspoon (9:58):

Live: New Nissan Kicks Japan Premiere (48:25):

 

Story credits: Trevor Hofmann

Photo credits: Nissan

If you want an SUV, but only have money for a compact car the new Nissan Kicks makes a lot of sense.  The Kicks is the most affordable crossover SUV available in Canada, starting at only $17,998 before…

2018 Nissan Kicks SR Road Test

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
The new Nissan Kicks provides lots of style for the money, especially in top-line SR trim. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

If you want an SUV, but only have money for a compact car the new Nissan Kicks makes a lot of sense. 

The Kicks is the most affordable crossover SUV available in Canada, starting at only $17,998 before freight and fees. My tester was in top-line SR trim, which meant that it stickers at $22,798 (I priced it out in CarCostCanada, which also provides dealer invoice pricing and rebate info that’s designed to save its members thousands when purchasing a new car, so check it out), but that’s still not a whole lot for a very well equipped crossover, not to mention one that looks as fashionable as it does. 

The SR is more avant-garde than the rest of the lineup, thanks to an available two-tone paint scheme that was Deep Blue Pearl below the shoulder line and Fresh Powder white up on the roof with my test model. You can get it in a solid colour, or alternatively you can opt for a variety of two-tone options, all of which set the little Kicks apart from its closest subcompact SUV competitors. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
Two-tone paint and other trim details help separate the top-tier SR from lesser trims. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Anyone who’s been paying attention to this market segment will know it’s a very full field, now comprising 16 rivals. Amazingly Nissan has two in this category alone, the Kicks slotting in just below the Qashqai, a slightly larger model that, since arriving about a year and a half ago, has already taken Canada’s subcompact SUV segment by storm. Above that is the ever-popular compact Rogue, plus the larger mid-size five-seat Murano and seven-passenger Pathfinder, plus finally the Armada that literally tops off the range. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
LED headlights, fog lamps, 17-inch alloys and more, the Kicks SR provides a lot of premium-level goodness for its very approachable asking price. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Topping off the Kicks, my SR trimmed tester was nicely equipped with some impressive features like a really sporty looking set of 17-inch machine-finished alloys with black painted pockets that came wrapped with 205/55 all-season tires, a sophisticated looking and very bright set of auto on/off LED low beam headlights with LED signature accents, powered and heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, silver roof rails, plus plenty on the outside. 

You can warm up the Kicks before venturing into the cold with a remote starter, and I always appreciate the ease of getting inside with proximity-sensing keyless access. Once seated, the large 7.0-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display that digitizes the left two-thirds of the primary gauge cluster, including the tachometer, is an impressive bit of advanced kit that immediately makes itself known. It’s controlled by high-quality illuminated steering wheel switchgear, and provides a large area for a fairly comprehensive assortment of additional functions, while Nissan also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the standard tablet-style 7.0-inch fixed infotainment touchscreen with this model. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
The Kicks interior is roomy and comfortable for its subcompact class, and the SR makes it plenty luxurious too. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

The display, which is really impressive for the class thanks to its high resolution, deep, rich colours, and, well, decent enough graphics, also includes a clear and useful Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) that splits the screen with a dynamic guidelines enhanced backup camera to the left and 360-degree overhead bird’s-eye view to the right, plus the infotainment touchscreen also controls a Bose Personal Plus audio system with six speakers including two UltraNearField speakers within the driver’s headrest. It delivered excellent audio quality for the class, with really deep, resonant bass tones as well as wonderfully bright highs, while satellite radio is always big on my favourites list. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
Premium-like finishings set the Kicks SR apart. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Just below, the single-zone automatic climate control system gets its own nicely sorted interface, this also housing two-way heatable front seat controls that warmed up quickly and stayed hot when needed, while just underneath the HVAC interface you’ll find a small media interface floating above a large, handy tray for your stowing a smartphone. 

The leather-like Prima-Tex upholstery, which covers the instrument panel ahead of the front passenger (yes, that’s some pretty serious premium-level attention to detail for this class) as well as the seats, looks and feels authentic, while its orange contrast stitching is a tastefully stylish touch. Nissan matches this with a real leather wrap for the steering wheel rim, also highlighted by orange stitching, plus leather adorns the gearshift knob as well, not to mention padded leatherette down each side of the centre console, although for some reason this is trimmed with white contrast stitching. There’s some nice glossy piano black surfacing around the shifter and plenty of satin-silver metallic detailing everywhere else, while Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is included with the SR as well, plus more. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
The left two-thirds of the upgraded primary gauge package is digital. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Some of the features noted above get pulled up to this SR from the aforementioned mid-range SV trim line, while the base S model actually includes an impressive list of items not yet mentioned, such as fog lamps, pushbutton ignition, Fine Vision electroluminescent primary gauges, tilt and telescopic steering, variable intermittent wipers, the 7.0-inch centre touchscreen already noted, multiple USB charging and connectivity ports, ultra-comfortable Zero-Gravity seats, all the usual active and passive safety features including standard Intelligent Emergency Braking, tire pressure monitoring, a driver’s knee airbag, and more. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
The Kicks SR 7.0-inch infotainment system includes this fabulous surround parking camera system. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

As noted the Kicks is an entirely new model, whereas the vehicle it replaces should be well known to most who follow the auto industry. The oddball Juke was either loved or loathed thanks to extremely quirky styling, as was the wonderfully unusual Cube that left our market sooner than I’d hoped it would, but the new Kicks won’t suffer from unorthodoxy. It’s cute and fun loving, yet wears sheet metal that should be more palatable to the masses. What’s more, that aforementioned starting price means it’s a lot more approachable to those masses than the Juke ever was, boding well for a very promising future. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
The leather-like Prima-Tex upholstery in the Kicks SR ups its level of luxury, while the Zero-Gravity seats are ultra-comfortable. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Those who fell for the Juke due to its surprising high-speed agility and capable turbo-four/AWD drivetrain will be less enamoured with the Kicks, at least on paper. Its sole 1.6-litre four-cylinder makes a less spirited 125 horsepower and only 115 lb-ft of torque compared to 188 horsepower and 177-lb-ft for the Juke, but let’s not forget the just noted low pricing and the new car’s fuel economy advantage. 

First, the Juke’s available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system is not on the Kicks menu, nor any AWD option for that matter. Instead, think of the Kicks as a tall, SUV-style five-door hatchback, which is really what most entries into the subcompact SUV segment are anyway. Like with most Nissan models, the transmission is a continuously variable type (CVT) with “shift” points that mimic a conventional automatic. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
The Bose Personal Plus audio system features six speakers including two UltraNearField speakers within the driver’s headrest. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

I found the Kicks’ straight-line performance pretty decent too, likely due to its light 1,197-kilo (2,639-lb) curb weight. This also boded well for its high-speed handling, which was commendable for this class, while it’s a particularly nice little SUV to drive around the city, providing a good view of the road ahead and around, plus a nice, comfortable ride, aided by those comfy seats noted earlier. 

It’s roomier inside than its outward dimensions suggest too, with headroom galore and not shortage of side-to-side space or legroom, whether seated up front or in the back. The driver’s seat is supportive in all the right ways, and there’s excellent reach and rake from the tilt and telescopic steering column for finding an optimal driving position. This can be a big problem for my long-legged, shorter torso body type, so the Kicks’ ergonomically designed cockpit was very welcome. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
Rear seat roominess and comfort is very good for the entry-level subcompact SUV class. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Cargo space is ample at 716 litres (25.3 cubic feet) total, but there’s a pretty big hump where the cargo floor meets up with the back seats, and unlike some other models within Nissan’s SUV range, there’s no multiple-level load shelf to provide a larger flat surface area. The seats only fold 60/40 with no centre pass-through, and while this is status quo for the class, I’m always happier when I can stow longer items like skis down the middle, leaving both outboard seats for passengers. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
Cargo space is generous at 716 litres, although there’s a pretty big hump where the cargo floor meets up with the back seats. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

As for fuel-efficiency, only adding an EV plug could make it better. Nissan claims a 7.7 L/100km city and 6.6 highway rating, while I managed a bit over 7.0 L/100km combined city and highway during my weeklong test. That’s excellent for any non-electrified car, let alone an SUV. 

All in all, I’d be very happy to live with the new Kicks as my daily driver. My SR trimmed tester certainly met my needs for comfort, luxury and premium-level features, while its lack of navigation was easily remedied by Android Auto, which allowed me to project GPS mapping and directions info from my phone right onto the infotainment display. Its balance of performance and fuel economy seemed just right too, while the Kicks’ overall roominess and practicality was more than adequate for my everyday requirements.

With a starting price of just $17,998 plus freight and fees according to CarCostCanada.com, which also provides dealer invoice pricing and rebate info that could save you thousands, the new 2018 Nissan…

2018 Nissan Kicks SR

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
The cute little Kicks replaces the oddball, but nevertheless much-loved Juke this year, and we expect it to do very well. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

With a starting price of just $17,998 plus freight and fees according to CarCostCanada.com, which also provides dealer invoice pricing and rebate info that could save you thousands, the new 2018 Nissan Kicks is the most affordable crossover SUV in Canada. Even better, it’s in our garage this week, so we’re putting it through our regular testing process to see how it measures up against an ever-growing list of subcompact SUV competitors. 

The Kicks slots in just below the Qashqai, a slightly larger model that, since arriving just over a year ago in May of 2017, has already taken Canada’s subcompact SUV segment by storm. Seriously, the Qashqai was number one in the class as of Q1 2018, and was thousands of models ahead by the end of Q2 with 9,257 units sold compared to the next best Mazda CX-3 with 6,803 deliveries. The Kicks just started selling in Canada partway through June, but it had already found 2,233 buyers by the close of August, meaning it could very well become the next subcompact SUV bestseller. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
SUV styling and front-wheel drive, economy car mechanicals makes for an highly practical, totally efficient crossover. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The Kicks is all new, but the vehicle it replaces should be well known to most who follow the auto industry. The Juke seems to either be loved or loathed thanks to quirky styling, but the Kicks won’t suffer from unorthodoxy. It’s cute and fun loving, but wears sheet metal that’s potentially more palatable to the masses. What’s more, that aforementioned starting price means it’s a lot more approachable to those masses than the Juke ever was, boding well for a very promising future. 

Those who fell for the Juke due to its surprising high-speed agility and capable turbo-four/AWD drivetrain will be less enamoured with the Kicks, at least on paper. Its sole 1.6-litre four-cylinder makes a less spirited 125 horsepower and only 115 lb-ft of torque compared to 188 horsepower and 177-lb-ft for the Juke, but let’s not forget the previously noted low pricing and the new car’s fuel economy advantage. 

2018 Nissan Kicks SR
Expect to be impressed by the little Kicks’ interior, and just about everything else. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

First, the Juke’s available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system is not on the Kicks menu, nor any AWD option for that matter. Instead, think of the Kicks as a tall, SUV-style five-door hatchback, which is really what most entries into the subcompact SUV segment are anyway. Like with most Nissan models, the transmission is a continuously variable type, but on that note make sure you come back to my full review to find out how well (or not) it “shifts”, mimicking a conventional automatic. 

Of course, I’ll also cover the Kicks’ straight-line performance, handling, drivability in the city, fuel-efficiency, comfort, roominess, features and more, the top-line SR version tested as loaded with options as currently available. 

Until then, enjoy our abbreviated photo gallery, which of course will be expanded to include a full assortment of images to complement the review…

When Q2 of 2018 came to a close, Nissan Group certainly had reason to celebrate thanks to its Canadian division achieving its best June ever. Sales increased to 16,330 units nationwide last month, which…

Nissan Group achieves best Canadian monthly sales ever in June

2018 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue found 4,342 new owners in June. (Photo: Nissan)

When Q2 of 2018 came to a close, Nissan Group certainly had reason to celebrate thanks to its Canadian division achieving its best June ever. Sales increased to 16,330 units nationwide last month, which represents a 2.0-percent year-over-year increase as well as an all-time monthly sales record. 

Breaking that total down by brand, the automaker’s namesake Nissan division sold 14,932 units, providing a 0.9-percent increase, which left the Infiniti luxury brand with 1,398 new model sales, this being a 16.3-percent improvement over June of 2017. 

2018 Nissan Qashqai
The Qashqai achieved a new all-time record of 2,150 sales in June. (Photo: Nissan)

The top-selling Nissan model remains the ever-popular Rogue compact crossover SUV, which found 4,342 new owners in June, whereas the smaller Qashqai crossover achieved a new all-time record of 2,150 sales during the same 30 days, helping it continue forward as the second best-selling model in Nissan’s Canadian lineup. 

Also impressive, the all-new, all-electric Leaf EV set a June sales record as well, with 492 units down the road. Additionally, Nissan has found 2,408 new Leaf buyers during the 2018 calendar year-to-date, building on one of the Japanese brand’s most significant success stories. 

2018 Nissan LEAF
2018 all-new Nissan LEAF EV sold 492 units last month. (Photo: Nissan)

A newcomer to the Nissan family got off to a good start in June as well, with the 2018 Kicks subcompact crossover SUV selling a total of 609 units during its first full month, while at the other end of the size spectrum the Titan full-size pickup truck recorded its best June ever at 684 units, a gain of 61.3 percent when compared to June of 2017. 

2018 Nissan Kicks
The new Kicks subcompact SUV sold 609 units during June, its first full month of availability. (Photo: Nissan)

Continuing on the XXL theme, the Armada full-size SUV had a solid month of sales too, achieving its best June ever thanks to 156 deliveries, which represents an increase of 16.4 percent from the same month last year. 

In other positive June news, the 370Z and GT-R sports cars grew their sales by 14.3 and 20.0 percent respectively, while the NV200 and NV commercial vans experienced 13.0 and 13.6 percent growth. 

All in all, cars have seen stronger year-over-year growth since the beginning of 2018, with year-to-date Nissan car sales having increased by 16.3 percent, and YTD SUV and truck deliveries decreasing by 5.9 percent.

Nissan really should’ve taken advantage of its new subcompact SUV’s name and done a photo shoot on the famed Route 66, that not only became legendary for countless films in which its “Main Street…

Nissan targets spring arrival for new Kicks subcompact SUV

2018 Nissan Kicks
The new 2018 Nissan Kicks will enter the subcompact SUV market below the highly successful new Qashqai. (Photo: Nissan)

Nissan really should’ve taken advantage of its new subcompact SUV’s name and done a photo shoot on the famed Route 66, that not only became legendary for countless films in which its “Main Street of America” appeal proved popular, but for many this near-nationwide highway was made all the more memorable for being the subject of Nat King Cole’s classic jazz song, “Get your kicks on Route 66.”

It just so happens that Route 66 stretches 3,945 km from U.S. 101 in Santa Monica, which is only 25 minutes (on a good day) down the I-10 from the Los Angeles Convention Center where the new Kicks just debuted on November 29 last year as part of the LA auto show, to the Windy City where it will no doubt be shown next month as part of the Chicago auto show in McCormick Place. This month it showed up in multiple colours at the Detroit auto show as well as in Montreal for its Canadian debut, and no doubt will also be on display in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre next month, Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York and Vancouver Convention Centre in late March, etcetera.

2018 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks, scheduled for a June launch, will be a late 2018 model year arrival. (Photo: Nissan)

The Kicks might be small as far as most SUVs go, but it’s a big deal for Nissan that has more utilities on offer than any other mainstream volume-branded carmaker. The current lineup includes the subcompact five-seat Qashqai (still in 2017 trim), compact five-seat Rogue, mid-size five-seat Murano, mid-size seven-seat Pathfinder, and full-size seven-seat Armada. The subcompact Juke, which was an innovator in this segment when it arrived way back in 2010, was discontinued after a long and successful lifecycle at the close of 2017, and will soon be replaced by the Kicks.

2018 Nissan Kicks
We should expect pricing below the 2017 Qashqai’s already impressive $19,998 base MSRP. (Photo: Nissan)

“As the gateway to Nissan’s adventure-ready sport utility line-up – joining Qashqai, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder and Armada – Kicks is designed to fit the needs of singles or couples looking for expressive styling, personal technology, smart functionality and advanced safety features,” said Steve Rhind, director of marketing, Nissan Canada.

The transition between the two vehicles has hardly been seamless, with very few new 2017 Jukes still available in Canada and a six-month hiatus currently occurring before the 2018 Kicks arrives in June, but the new entry will likely get a warm welcome when it finally arrives. Pricing has yet to be announced, but it will need to be somewhere south of the current Qashqai’s $19,998 for it to be the new “gateway” SUV into Nissan’s SUV lineup, as Rhind states, despite the outgoing 2017 Juke starting with an MSRP of $20,698.

2018 Nissan Kicks
While it gets a sporty, fastback profile (for an SUV), Nissan promises plenty of headroom. (Photo: Nissan)

The Juke filled a funky niche with a focus on performance and wasn’t available with Nissan’s usual base S trim in its latter years (it could only be had in SV, Nismo and SL trims), whereas the Kicks, despite the rambunctious name, is a more mainstream offering that will initially be available in S, SV and SR trims. We’ll need to wait until spring before pricing and packaging details surface, which will probably coincide with the release of the new Qashqai that may increase in price to make way for the Kicks.

2018 Nissan Kicks
If you were wondering where the Kicks’ Brazilian connection fits in, the South American country has one of the largest Japanese-decent populations outside of Japan, plus a massive 200-million plus market that loves small SUVs. (Photo: Nissan)

“Pricing for the 2018 Nissan Kicks will be announced closer to its on-sale date in spring 2018, but we are expecting to be among the most competitive in the segment,” added Rhind. “Kicks’ unique combination of expressive design, excellent fuel economy, intelligent technology and advanced safety features adds up to one thing – exceptional value.”

Like Ford’s similarly sized EcoSport SUV, which is also scheduled to arrive in Canada and the U.S. this year, the Kicks originated in Brazil before expanding into other markets, although it was completely new in 2016 compared to 2003 for the blue-oval badged utility. The EcoSport has had time to go global, whereas Nissan will ramp up worldwide Kicks sales much quicker, with a target of 80 countries in its short-term sites.

2018 Nissan Kicks
Plenty of unique colour combinations help to differentiate the Kicks from its subcompact SUV peers. (Photo: Nissan)

By first impressions the Kicks should appeal to compact SUV buyers in most markets, thanks to a traditionally upright SUV stance yet sporty crossover styling, most notably found in shapely front fenders that form out of the tops of the headlamps. It gets Nissan’s now trademark V-Motion grille up front and a Murano-like floating roof hovering over the rear C-pillars, while the boomerang taillights pay homage to the Z sports car and others within the Japanese brand’s range.

“From a pure visual standpoint on the street, Kicks is a true head turner, especially in the bold two-tone colour combinations,” added Rhind. “Kicks is clearly recognizable as part of the Nissan CUV family, but has a vibrancy and identity all its own.”

2018 Nissan Kicks
A unique take on Nissan’s V-Motion grille makes the Kicks’ lineage immediately known. (Photo: Nissan)

Along with the blacked out floating C-pillars Nissan will use colour to differentiate the Kicks from most peers. So far the Japanese brand is showing seven colour combinations, the two-tone versions including Gun Metallic grey for the lower body with a Monarch Orange roof, a Monarch Orange body with a Super Black roof (that melds seamlessly into the roof pillars), Cayenne Red with a Super Black roof, Aspen White with a Super Black roof, and Deep Blue Pearl with a Fresh Powder white roof, while single solid tones include Gun Metallic grey (that still features the black roof pillars) and Super Black (which absorbs the roof pillars).

2018 Nissan Kicks
The top-line Kicks SR gets a sporty yet high-quality, nicely finished interior. (Photo: Nissan)

Similar to top-line versions of its larger Qashqai sibling, examples of the similarly upper-crust Kicks SR trimmed interior currently being shown appears very upscale with plenty of padded leatherette stitched together with contrast orange or white thread, this especially nice across the SUV’s “Gliding Wing” instrument panel and down the sides of the centre console, while the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel even gets nicely formed thumb spats and a flat bottom for a performance look and feel.

2018 Nissan Kicks
There’s plenty of premium-like padded leatherette surfaces with orange and white contrast stitching. (Photo: Nissan)

Orange contrast stitching can be found on what appear to be leather-surfaced sport seats too, while the 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, which incidentally includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and the separate single-zone automatic climate control interface that sits below include switchgear with orange backlighting. Orange even gets used for the “Bose Personal” logos on the sides of the front headrests, this top-tier SR model including an impressive audio system featuring lightweight 2.5-inch Bose UltraNearfield neodymium headrest speakers.

2018 Nissan Kicks
This infotainment and HVAC interfaces look impressive, the former including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a backup camera, and the latter available with auto climate control. (Photo: Nissan)

The infotainment system will also be available with an Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, while other standard and available features will include Intelligent Auto Headlights with optional LED low beams boasting LED signature accents, fog lamps, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, remote engine start, and heatable seats, while standard safety items are to include Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, seven airbags, and a RearView Monitor.

Nissan promises plenty of passenger room with no shortage of headspace (the coupe-like profile is an optical illusion), plus one of the larger cargo compartment’s in the class.

2018 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks uses Nissan’s highly efficient Xtronic CVT to send 125-hp and 115 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. (Photo: Nissan)

Smaller and lighter than the Qashqai, the new Kicks won’t need as much power to get it going so therefore gets an efficient 1.6-litre four-cylinder good for 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, while Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) should provide smooth operation and competitive fuel economy.

Where the Kicks deviates from the outgoing Juke and all other Nissan SUVs currently on offer, is its lack of all-wheel drive. The Kicks will be front-drive only, which is in line with some other small SUVs in its segment like the well-proven Kia Soul much newer Toyota C-HR. This means it won’t be ideal for winter sports enthusiasts who’d rather not be forced to chain up on their way to the ski hill, but for the majority of city drivers it should more than suffice. Its tall ride height provides the visibility advantage most SUV buyers want, and its raised ground clearance should help it overcome inner-city obstacles like steep driveways, rough laneways and curbs that could otherwise hang up a regular car. Reportedly, its electric power steering and small turning radius make it easy to park as well.

2018 Nissan Kicks
High-end “Bose Personal Plus” headrest speakers to improve Kicks SR audio system. (Photo: Nissan)

“This emerging CUV class is exploding with new entries for a very good reason – the combination of flexible utility and high value is ideal for active, urban new vehicle buyers,” added Rhind. “Where the new Nissan Kicks stands out is with its bold style, personal technology, value and anticipated excellent fuel economy.”

Again, we’ll have to wait to find out just how good its fuel economy is, but its small, lightweight design, spritely engine, CVT, and FWD layout should make for a cost-friendly commuter.