2023-08-12 21:00:00
The subcompact car segment is definitely on its way to extinction. To be honest, only the aging Mitsubishi Mirage and the Nissan Versa will remain since the Kia Rio will retire in 2024. It’s ironic to see this category disappear at a time when the cost of living is skyrocketing.
The vehicles that were released in this class were, for the most part, affordable, spacious and efficient. They’ve been a surefire transportation solution for anyone looking for space at a good price, and I think that’s exactly why I liked the Nissan Kicks. Even if it is positioned in the category of Subcompact SUVs, it represents, in my opinion, a viable and relevant alternative for motorists concerned about their budget and the versatility of their vehicle. The Kicks is more appropriate than ever in this economical whirlwind.
always pretty
The Nissan Kicks arrived on the Canadian market in 2018 and still continues to evolve in the same generation. The Kicks only experienced aesthetic changes in 2021 and navigates the automotive world with a face that I would describe as sympathetic.
The different versions offered of the Kicks allow, in my humble opinion, to give it a convincing style. From the outset, the S version is a little hoary; it is equipped with hubcaps and inexpensive black plastics. However, this version has a starting price of $24,369, including freight and delivery charges, making it one of the most affordable on the market.
The SV edition is the most popular and has a good equipment/price ratio. Retailing for $27,169, the Kicks SV gets 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a must-have, and an 8-inch infotainment screen.
The variant I had to test bore the name SR Privilège. It is, in my opinion, the prettiest of the lot, but also the most expensive at $29,669. I think the pricing is pretty fair considering that this version comes with 17-inch black alloy wheels, two-tone paint and LED fog lights.
Frankly, I wasn’t very excited to test drive the Nissan Kicks as this model is getting old on the market. The example I had to test, orange in color with a glossy black roof and accessories, nevertheless surprised me with its sporty character. I found the more expensive version of the Kicks quite nice.
Aquarium on wheels
Besides its successful exterior appearance, I believe the Kicks mainly impresses on the inside. I was surprised by the space offered on board the subcompact SUV. Both in the front and in the back, I was able to sit comfortably, letting me affirm that the space is sufficient for several types of passengers.
I had no difficulty installing my son’s booster seat in the vehicle, which is not always easy in cars of the same size. No, the Kicks is not a minivan, but it is able to seat a child easily without sacrificing space for the occupants in the front. The Kicks’ trunk volume is decent: 188 liters more than the Hyundai Venue, but 9 less than the 2024 Chevrolet Trax.
I was surprised by the comfort of the seats. In faux leather, they are cozy on the road and in town. Their maintenance is excellent. As for visibility, it allows it to earn its title of aquarium on wheels. The huge windows helped me get comfortable behind the wheel very quickly.
The materials chosen in the passenger compartment are of decent quality, especially in the more equipped versions. Despite everything and regardless of the version, some rigid plastics become irritating in the long run, and I think they could have been replaced by rubber to avoid irritating creaks.
Even with the gumming of the seats, stitching and colors of my tester, the Kicks fails to completely hide its age. The infotainment system is part of the problem. It features an 8-inch display, is slow at times, and doesn’t offer a very sophisticated user experience. I note however that it is very simple to handle, and that it is easily accessible.
CVT: It’s really annoying
The Nissan Kicks is not powerful. It only offers a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 122 horsepower and produces 114 lb-ft of torque. It works well in town. However, I would have liked more vigor in overtaking maneuvers or entering the motorway where I was sometimes scared as the accelerations were laborious.
The real problem, in my opinion, is related to the transmission. The Kicks is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which is nothing short of impressive. This tries to exploit the little power offered by the engine, but the reality is that the latter seems to want to explode with each acceleration so much the mechanics groans when it is pushed. I regularly turned up the sound of the 8-speaker Bose system, including two in the driver’s seat headrest, to try to drown out that lament worthy of the best Bollywood films. Nothing helps, it disturbs, it is elastic and it did not convince me.
A situation that I find disappointing, because the Kicks is certainly not unpleasant behind the wheel. It holds the road well, it is the champion of urban driving and it is comfortable on the road. Frankly, I didn’t hate my experience driving the Kicks, on the contrary. However, it would have been much more pleasant, had it not been for the transmission. A consolation prize, this mechanical suit is quite fuel efficient.
I recorded an average fuel consumption of 7.1 liters per 100 kilometres, which is excellent considering that I mainly used the vehicle in town, in traffic, and still pushed the machine for the ride. ‘essay. The fact that the Kicks is only offered with a traction cog helps the stats.
Back to basics
In short, I like Nissan Kicks 2023 and I believe it is more relevant than ever. It is a rational, versatile and affordable compromise. I know some motorists would have loved it to come with all-wheel drive, but honestly, I think that’s exactly where the word compromise takes on its full meaning.
It fills the real primary needs which are to move around without hassle, in an economical way and by transporting everything you want (within reason). Opting for an AWD version would make it less accessible, heavier and therefore more fuel-efficient.
With the future disappearance of the Nissan Qashqai during the year 2024, it would not be surprising to discover a new generation of the Kicks soon. I just hope this little vehicle stays just as affordable and retains its credentials without becoming another expensive SUV in a saturated market.
At least for now, the RPM team recommends the 2023 Nissan Kicks. This is a vehicle that takes advantage of the current financial chaos to once again demonstrate its relevance.
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