At Peugeot (formerly Cross), the importer of Nissan, they are examining the import of the new generation of the Kicks that was revealed at the end of the weekend in the U.S. It is an interesting newcomer, as on paper it is a crossover tailored for days of struggling with the high cost of living: a relatively cheap Japanese Jeep, which has grown almost to the dimensions of a Koshkai, with all active safety systems, and even received an option for 4x4.
The Kicks is the American equivalent of the Juke and is produced in Mexico, like the Sentra sold in the country. While the first generation was quite small, the second generation has grown significantly, with a length of 4.37 meters (16 cm more than the Juke), a width of 1.81 meters (1+), a height of 1.63 meters (3+), and a wheelbase of 2.66 meters (3+). In fact, it is now as large as almost like the European Koshkai. The cargo volume is 490 liters, but when measured according to the American standard, it reaches to the roof and not to the height of the seats.
With a giant grille, a two-tone option as in the manufacturer's released photos, and apple-shaped wheels, the Kicks kicks with a bold and unapologetic design.
The engine is a 2,000 cc non-turbo, 141 horsepower, mated to a CVT transmission, similar to the formula that comes to us from the competing Mitsubishi ASX, which is also aimed at the U.S.
In the new generation, the option of dual propulsion has also been added, and along with a wheelbase of 21 cm and modest approach and departure angles (18/26.3 degrees), it can add to its capabilities for off-road driving and more.
In the driver's environment, you can find a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, an instrument panel of the same size, integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, up to four USB ports, and in additional equipment packages a panoramic roof and a Bose system with 10 speakers.
The safety systems include as standard autonomous emergency braking in forward and reverse driving, adaptive cruise control, alert for a vehicle in a dead zone, and automatic high beam. It is possible to add lane departure warning and keeping, collision avoidance with a dead zone vehicle, and more.
The Kicks, which was delayed in its launch due to parts theft from the production line, is expected to integrate well into Nissan's product line in the country, between the Juke in petrol (from NIS 143,000) and the Kasher (from NIS 187,000). In the USA, its price is expected to start at the price of the Sentra family sedan that is still sold in the country at NIS 150,000, as a competitor to the Chevrolet Trax and the Kia Seltos, which are also sold in the country.
