Nissan combines fun and frugality in a youth-centric charmer
The name given to Nissan’s new small wagon broadly hints at the intended demographic. Kicks is urban slang for a cool pair of running shoes, but in this case it’s also about having fun.
In many respects, the Kicks becomes the replacement for the funky 2011-’17 Juke. That oddity of a car never really caught on with younger or older buyers, despite being a gutsy little beast that drove better than it looked.
Looks might not be everything, but first impressions count for plenty with car shoppers. In this regard the Kicks doesn’t disappoint, with styling originating from Nissan’s Brazil and California studios. The Kicks is assembled in Mexico.
Nissan’s signature “V-Motion” grille design is in play, as are floating rear roof pillars that look to be scaleddown versions of those designed for the larger Murano wagon and Maxima sedan.
Inside, the Kicks represents the very essence of simplicity, with an uncluttered dashboard and controls.
It’s also more spacious than the Juke, beating it in overall length, height and cargo capacity as well as in the distance between the front and rear wheels. That translates into plenty of front- and rear-seat leg and shoulder room for adults. Cargo capacity meets or exceeds similar models in the small-wagon class. The little Nissan is also about 300 pounds lighter than the 2,950-pound Juke.
Light weight is important since the Kicks’ 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces a modest 125 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. The Juke’s turbocharged 1.6-liter fourcylinder was rated at up to 215 horses and 210 pound-feet.
The sole transmission is a continuously variable unit (CVT) that works well enough until the Kicks is pushed hard. Then it reverts to that CVT whooshing/whirring sound that’s reminiscent of vacuum cleaners and jet engines.
A manual gearbox is nowhere in sight, which is a shame since it would likely be quite satisfying, also giving youthful buyers an opportunity to learn a new skill. CVT-equipped cars generally produce superior fuel-economy numbers, however. The Kicks is pegged at 31 mpg in the city and 36 on the highway (33 combined).
It takes an aggressive right foot to get the Kicks up to speed, but once there the ride is relatively supple and the noise invading the cabin is minimal. Cornering is precise, even though the electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) feels overly boosted and detracts from an otherwise sporty driving experience.
Since it uses the same platform as the Nissan Versa sedan, the Kicks does not offer all-wheel-drive. According to a senior Nissan executive, AWD demand in this segment is
low, anyway. The Toyota C-HR also does not offer all-wheel-drive.
The good news is that the list price is just under $19,000 for the base S model. That gets you a 7-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, pushbutton start, roof rails, automatic emergency braking and forwardcollision warning.
The mid-grade SV adds climate control, remote engine start, blindspot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, Apple CarPlay and Android infotainment, and 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch steel wheels are standard).
The top-end SR is equipped with LED headlights, upgraded exterior and faux-leather interior trim. There’s also a 360-degree around-view camera and an eight-speaker Bose-brand Personal Plus sound system that includes built-in headrest speakers for the driver.
The option sheet includes a number of two-tone paint schemes that contrast the roof with the body, some of which are definitely on the wild side.
Surprising, perhaps, there’s no power-operated-sunroof option.
Overall, Nissan has done a remarkable job of equipping the Kicks with plenty of content, while keeping it affordable for first-time buyers, or anyone else, for that matter.