Nissan teases Hyundai Creta-rivaling Kicks SUV through picture & video

Japanese carmaker Nissan has released the first teaser images and video for its upcoming Hyundai Creta-rivalling Kicks SUV. The two teaser images show off dark silhouettes of the SUV which will be launched in India in January 2019.

The first teaser image of the Nissan Kicks shows off the sharp headlights and their DRL signature lights along with Nissan’s V-motion grille.

The second teaser image of the Nissan Kicks shows the rear-end of the sports utility vehicle and highlights the LED taillights. Both images show off a muscular SUV with flared wheel arches which should appeal to the Indian compact SUV buyer.

The Nissan Kicks has been on sale in international markets since 2016 and was first launched in Brazil ahead of the Rio Olympics.

However, the Indian version of the Nissan Kicks will be different from the one sold in international markets as it has to compete in a more price-conscious market like India and in a segment dominated by the Hyundai Creta.

The India-spec Nissan Kicks is based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s more cost-effective B0 platform that also underpins the Renault Captur and Duster along with Nissan’s own Terrano SUV. The Kicks that will be sold in India is set to be bigger than the ones sold abroad, which is based on Nissan’s newer V platform and has a slightly shorter wheelbase.

Another section where the India-spec Kicks will be different from its international sibling is in terms of powerplants. The international-spec Nissan SUV draws power from 1.5 and 1.6-litre petrol engines. The Kicks for India, on the other hand, is expected to make use of the engines found under the bonnet of the Renault Captur sold in the sub-continent. The Renault Captur is powered by petrol and diesel engines that both displace 1.5-litres. The petrol engine is rated at 104.5 Bhp and 142 Nm of torque while the oil burner cranks out 108.5 Bhp and 240 Nm.

The new Nissan Kicks will be the first salvo from Nissan as part of its new strategy for India. As per its new game plan for India, Nissan will only offer premium cars, while the Datsun brand will concentrate on more entry and mid-level cars. When it goes on sale in January 2019, the new Kicks will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Honda BR-V and Renault Captur.