2019 NISSAN KICKS

Nissan Kicks replaces the outgoing Juke as the Japanese automaker’s claim to the small crossover pie. And it comes bearing gifts – among them value, an attractive styling, ample cargo and passenger room, and impressive utility. Mostly targeting the urban dwellers, the new kicks drives well and goes easy on the gas tank. The new 2019 Nissan Kicks borrows heavily from the Juke styling cues; although we cannot help but notice that it leaves out the not-so-impressive attributes. Its design concept, a result of a multi-studio collaboration, was first presented at the 2014 Sao Paulo Motor Show. The new Kicks is available in three trim levels: the base S, the SV, and the SR trim. Nissan avails the Kicks in several two-tone color schemes: gray with an orange roof, white and orange with a red roof, blue with a white roof, among other color combos. The model comes with a traditional V-Motion front grille and Boomerang-shaped lights. It also adds some visual height thanks to a floating roof and the wide, blackened C-pillars blend well with the rear hatch. Also, the Kicks offers larger 17-inch aluminum kicks. Power in the 2019 Kicks comes from a 1.6-liter inline-4 that produces 125 hp and 115 lb-ft of torque. This output is more than adequate considering the Nissan Kicks’ subcompact size. The engine links to a Xtronic CVT transmission that sends power to the front wheels exclusively. At 33 mpg, fuel economy is also better than in most other subcompacts.

The Kicks interior provides ample seating for five adults and about 25.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats. A sporty steering wheel and an elegant dash design enhance the interior’s aesthetics. It also helps that The Kicks has access to a plethora of upgrades including a 7.0-inch color display, heated seats, and leather upholstery on the shift knob, steering wheel, and seats. The base Kick S comes standard with a backup camera, automated emergency braking, USB ports, and Bluetooth, among others. The SR and SV trims up the ante with more equipment including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capability, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, remote engine start, Blind Spot Warning, and a more extensive array of airbags. An available SR Premium package adds a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat and a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat. The package also installs a premium surround-sound system with eight speakers and an incorporated Bose PersonalSpace Control feature for enhanced equalization. A rear-view mirror, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking are all options in the safety department. The SR trim receives an Intelligent Around View monitoring system that provides a bird-eye view of your surrounding to detect any moving objects as you pack or reverse. Thus, the Kicks makes it very easy to pack in tight city spaces. A seven-airbag system is standard and an available ISOFIX child restraint system allows parents to safely secure the little ones’ seats without using seat belts