The new Nissan Kicks BS6 will not be available in a diesel format
Nissan India is almost ready to launch the updated BS6 version of the Kicks crossover. The 2020MY Nissan Kicks features several additions over its BS4 counterpart in terms of equipment and mechanicals. Bookings start post end of lockdown and its launch is expected to happen around the same time. For the BS6 era, Nissan India has discontinued its proven 1.5-litre diesel power plant across the range.
On the bright side, the company has introduced a new 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine developed under the partnership with Renault. The engine made its Indian debut back at Auto Expo 2020 in the revised Renault Duster AMT.
Nissan India could not witness the success it had initially expected with the Kicks due to tight competition from the likes of Hyundai Motor’s Creta (previous generation) and Kia Motors India’s Seltos. Now, Malayalam automotive YouTube channel Pilot On Wheels has shared all the key details of the 2020 Nissan Kicks BS6.
For the 2020 model year, the Nissan Kicks BS6 comes in four trims: XL, XV, XV Premium and XV Premium (O). The Japanese brand has added new features such as remote engine start, push-button start and idle start-stop in higher levels of trim. Initially launched in January 2019, the Nissan Kicks has had a good number of segment-first features. Compared to its international sibling, the Indian version boasts of various market-specific re-engineering.
In BS6 format, the primary highlight is still its 1.3-litre turbo petrol motor. The HR13 four-cylinder unit (mated to a 6-speed manual or 8-step CVT) develops close to 154bhp and 254Nm, making it the most powerful engine in its class. Alongside, the old 1.5-litre H4K petrol engine is also offered in BS6 format. It is good for roughly 105bhp and 142Nm of torque while mated to a 5-speed transmission.
Company-claimed mileage figures stand at 16.3km/l and 14.1km/l for the turbo and NA options, respectively. Nissan India also claims that its CVT powertrain is one of the very best in the business. The old BS4 1.5-litre K9K DCi diesel mill made 108bhp and 240Nm of torque, with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Other notable features (in the highest trim) include smart card keyless entry, cruise control, ‘Around View Monitor’ 360-degree camera, Hill Start Assist, leather seats, cornering fog lamps, automatic headlamps and wipers, cruise control, Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control, 8.0-inch infotainment system and more. In Nissan India’s portfolio, the Kicks essentially replaces the Terrano. One of the main downsides of its predecessor was a noticeable lack of features compared to other popular names in the segment.