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…

Listen up. Just in case you haven’t already heard, there’s no better new car for your money than Nissan’s Micra. For just $9,988 plus freight and dealer fees, which makes it the least expensive…

2017 Nissan Micra SR

2017 Nissan Micra SR
Nissan’s 2017 Micra remains a great looking little entry-level hatchback, especially in top-line SR trim. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Listen up. Just in case you haven’t already heard, there’s no better new car for your money than Nissan’s Micra. For just $9,988 plus freight and dealer fees, which makes it the least expensive new car in Canada, the 2017 Micra represents the best value in the entire auto industry.

What’s more, it’s so much fun to drive that Nissan Canada developed a spec racing series dubbed Nissan Micra Cup to tout its performance prowess, a smart way to change common perceptions about life with an entry-level sub-subcompact economy car.

In case you’re wondering, the Micra Cup racing-spec car is no more formidable off the line than the stock machine being sold for less than $10k, its DOHC, 16-valve, 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine making an equal 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, which is sports car territory when factoring in its scant 1,044-kilo (2,302-lb) curb weight.

2017 Nissan Micra SR
The black mirror caps, door handles and stripes are from an accessories option package. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

To put that last claim into perspective, the pre-owned 1985 Toyota MR2 mid-engine sports car that I managed to talk my boss into giving me for a daily driver after a particularly good sales month (I sold cars for a Toyota dealer in the late ‘80s) tipped the scales at a nearly identical 1,035 kilograms (2,282 lbs) and made 112 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque from its AE86 Corolla-sourced 1.6-litre four. It was ruddy quick for its era, and while I won’t directly compare Toyota’s brilliant little “Twin Cam” and its sonorous 7,500-rpm redline to the Micra’s more utilitarian 6,600 maximum spin, both cars utilized standard five-speed manuals and optional four-speed automatics.

2017 Nissan Micra SR
The 16-inch alloys, rocker extensions, additional chrome, unique headlights and tail lamps, plus more comes with RS trim. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Rather than be forced to respond to all the MR2 faithful’s hate mail pointing out the obvious benefits of a short-throw manual gearbox, lower centre of gravity, mid-engine rear-wheel drive chassis layout, etcetera ad nauseum, let’s just agree that owning a modern-day subcompact with a similar power-to-weight ratio to a revered classic sports car can result in plenty of smiles at the wheel, whether you have the talent of current 2017 Micra Cup season leader Olivier Bédard, or simply enjoy a spirited drive while commuting back and forth to work, university, or running errands.

2017 Nissan Micra SR
Just because it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean the Micra comes without flair, the roof getting these cool sculpted swoops to aid aerodynamics and style. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

In truth, today’s Micra has more in common with Toyota’s superb little 2004–2005 Echo Hatchback, which was also a tall, two-box front-drive subcompact, albeit with a 1.5-litre four making 108 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque, a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, and once again a featherlight curb weight of 944 kg (2,081 lbs). It was a cute looking little hatch as well, especially in sportier RS trim, a car I’d love to pick up with its base manual gearbox in good condition. Being that the base Echo Hatch started at $12,995 back in its day, the pricier RS still fetches $4,000 to $5,000 now, which makes the 13-year newer Micra seem all the more appealing.

2017 Nissan Micra SR
The 2017 Micra SR offers a lot for just over $16k. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

As you can probably tell from the photos, the 2017 Micra SR currently in our garage sells for considerably more than the base S model Nissan woos us down to its dealerships to check out. While the Micra S starts at $9,988, it moves directly up to $13,648 when adding the aforementioned automatic, an upgrade that also bundles in air-conditioning and steering wheel-mounted switchgear complete with cruise controls (the base model’s “naked” steering wheel looks a bit odd in a new 2017 model).

I should also mention these features come alongside a standard menu that includes tilt steering, a trip computer, variable intermittent wipers, an intermittent rear wiper, AM/FM/CD audio with speed-sensitive volume control and an aux jack, fabric seat trim, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, vented front disc and rear drum brakes with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control, all the expected airbags, plus more.

2017 Nissan Micra SR
Upgraded sport upholstery includes cool blue and black patterned seat inserts for a classier effect. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Second-rung SV trim, available from $14,048, makes those last items standard no matter the chosen transmission, while also adding illuminated audio and Bluetooth phone controls to the left spoke of the steering wheel, powered windows and locks, the latter featuring remote keyless entry with a panic alarm, body-colour power-adjustable heated side mirrors, body-colour door handles, two more driver’s seat adjustments for a total of six, a flip-down driver’s seat armrest, upgraded cloth upholstery, chrome interior door handles, two more stereo speakers totalling four, and more.

2017 Nissan Micra SR
Rear seat comfort and roominess is… we’ll tell you all when we publish our upcoming road test review. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

Put beside these two models the top-line Micra SR seems ultra-luxe, thanks to unique sport headlights and taillights, fog lamps, chrome around those fogs as well as the front fascia’s lower grille, side sill extensions, a rear rooftop spoiler, a chromed exhaust tip, and machine-finished 16-inch alloys with black painted pockets on 185/55 all-season rubber (instead of 15-inch steel wheels with covers encircled by 185/60 all-seasons) on the outside, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel rim, a leather-wrapped shift knob (on manual transmission models), sport fabric seat and door insert upholstery, a 4.3-inch colour display audio system with an integrated rearview parking monitor, a USB port, and more for $16,188 plus freight and fees.

2017 Nissan Micra SR
Likewise for luggage space… more details to come. (Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press)

My $17,188 tester, which includes $1,000 for the automatic transmission, adds $135 for Gun Metallic grey paint while boasting a $460 Colour Studio Trend package from the accessories catalogue featuring coloured mirror caps, door handles, and side sport stripes (glossy black the chosen “colour” in this instance), boosting the as-tested price to $17,783. Despite the Micra’s fabulous base price, I’d be tempted to choose this very trim and accessories package upgrade because it looks so great and drives so well, minus the autobox for improved performance and a lower price.

I’ll go into more detail describing this 2017 Micra SR’s driving dynamics in my upcoming review, while also going into more detail about features usability, interior quality, comfort, roominess, and more. I might even talk sales numbers, being that the Micra outsells all of its key competitors by a grand margin, even shaming larger subcompact models when it comes to popularity. Of course all this makes sense, the Micra being a street-legal race car and all. Come back soon for my full review…