Nissan has updated its most global crossover Kicks

The front and rear of the car were redrawn, the interior was slightly adjusted, and a fresh package of electronic assistants was added to the load. The main thing in the design is that the so-called signature “smile” of Nissan disappeared from the front of the car, as a result of which the subcompact crossover began to look more solid. The first restyled cars will appear in the markets of Southeast Asia and Oceania.

At the front, Kicks abandoned the signature V-shaped false radiator grille, which was almost the hallmark of the brand. Instead, there is a two-tier lighting system: the top floor is occupied by narrow horizontal block headlights, the bottom floor is occupied by fog lights, also known as daytime running lights, assembled from three parallel LED segments. The grille itself has turned into a purely functional slot, shifted to the lower edge of the bumper. The hood acquired two longitudinal ridges, because of which the car’s gaze became more intense, and the front fenders had to be re-sculpted.

Nissan Kicks
Nissan

The fifth door opening now tends to an ideal rectangle, the license plate has moved from the trunk lid to the bumper, and the headlights have become longer and narrower. In general, the rear of the Kicks has become stricter and a little more brutal.

Inside there is a classic gentleman’s set for the current Nissan. The 7-inch digital instrument panel is recessed into the well to prevent glare from the sun. In the center is a 12.3-inch multimedia tablet. It is noteworthy that physical buttons were retained under the screen: for the audio system, all-round cameras and changing the color scheme of the display depending on the lighting.

Nissan Kicks
Nissan Kicks

The climate control system with its monochrome display and round multi-steering wheel migrated from the pre-reform version without changes. The transmission selector, start and electric handbrake buttons, as well as wireless phone charging are located in the front of the tunnel. Cup holders are traditionally at the rear.

But under the hood there are no surprises, no progress. For Thailand, where the premiere took place, the Kicks will continue to be offered only with the e-Power hybrid setup. This is a sequential scheme, where a tiny 1.2-liter gasoline engine works exclusively as a generator, charging a modest battery with a capacity of 2.06 kWh. The wheels are rotated by an electric motor (136 hp, 280 Nm). It’s just that you can’t recharge this battery with a power outlet—it’s not a plug-in hybrid, but rather a gas generator on wheels. And it’s front-wheel drive only.

Nissan Kicks
Nissan Nissan Kicks
Nissan Nissan Kicks
Nissan Nissan Kicks
Nissan Nissan Kicks
Nissan Nissan Kicks
Nissan Nissan Kicks previous iteration
Nissan Nissan Kicks
Nissan

Well, Kicks remained true to itself: the unusual scheme for its class has not gone away. But the appearance has become fresher, and the buttons have become physical. In Southeast Asia, little things like this are appreciated.

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