Finally, we’re getting near the brand new Nissan Kicks. The primary-gen mannequin went on sale right here in June 2018 and obtained a facelift in 2021. Spy photographers spent final yr scooping prototypes, a closely camoed Kicks from final July proving the second era goes to be bigger and possibly extra typical wanting. The automaker’s caption on the Instagram video tease promised one thing “Larger, bolder, and higher than ever,” whereas advising us to “Keep tuned for a shock unveiling.” Stacked horizontal traces will probably be a distinguished theme, fast pictures within the video displaying skinny headlights above three rows of brief DRLs, and what we imagine is a grille being rows of straight bars. The theme’s repeated in again, albeit with simply two illuminated crimson accents beneath the taillights.
The Kicks is migrating to Nissan’s CMF-B structure, which stands for Widespread Module Household – B, the bones that exchange Nissan’s V Platform the present Kicks rides on. It is shared with worldwide fashions just like the Nissan Juke and Notice, Renault Clio V and Captur, and new Mitsubishi Colt and ASX. The structure was designed to suit a spread of powertrains, so ICE, Nissan’s e-Energy sequence hybrid powertrains, and EV motivations are doable relying on market. It was additionally designed for Renault-Nissan’s front-wheel-drive subcompacts, although, so we’re skeptical in regards to the Kicks gaining the choice of all-wheel drive exterior of an electrical model.
As a commenter famous final yr once we ran the spy pictures, the extra chunky and angular form of the prototype steered the brand new Kicks would current extra like a brand new Rogue Sport versus the playful Gen Z angle of immediately’s mannequin. The extra upright look of the rear finish, with a distinguished spoiler and hatch with a pronounced deck part and built-in taillights match the “larger, bolder” boast from the teaser. And we hope the three-spoke wheels that we have seen on a few prototypes look as cool in manufacturing type as we’re imagining. A set of five-spoke wheels from a distinct tester once more emphasize straight traces with grooved spokes, and assist the general bundle give off sturdy vibes of a tiny Audi.
Manufacturing’s slated to start this June for launch markets. The unboxing occurs Friday, March 22.