Nissan has lastly introduced an auto gearbox for the Kicks, and the configuration available is a CVT (repeatedly variable transmission) paired to a one.three-litre turbo-petrol motor. At prices ranging between Rs thirteen.45 and fourteen.15 lakh (ex-showroom, India), it is obtainable only in mid-spec variants, commanding a quality of Rs one.fifty-one.sixty lakh above its handbook counterparts.
The one.three-litre turbo-petrol will come with an remarkable resume – it has been co-designed by the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance and Daimler. It even shares some of its condition-of-the-artwork engineering with the Nissan GT-R supercar and it makes a class-very best 156hp and 254Nm of torque. And it shines in the genuine environment much too with its smoothness, linear electricity shipping and responsiveness. Its huge torque spread from as small as one,600rpm and strong mid-range effectiveness will make light operate of darting into website traffic gaps, cruising at highway speeds or overtaking rapidly moving vehicles.
The 7-action CVT complements this motor properly. It is an intuitive transmission which keeps the motor spinning optimally to make sure there is usually effectiveness obtainable on tap. For the most part it performs its responsibilities pretty effortlessly nevertheless, whilst slowing down to crawling speeds, it often will get jerky when transitioning to its least expensive action. What is nice is that the sequential manner provides handbook control – it responds properly to inputs and obliges with aggressive downshifts for strong motor braking.
Automobile is sleek and intuitive is responsive in handbook manner.
The Nissan Kicks CVT will depart all its rivals guiding in a -60kph website traffic light dash (with a honest bit of torque steer). However, its Korean rivals are considerably more rapidly in a rolling race or in flat-out acceleration.
There is a new motor prevent/start feature on present, which seamlessly switches off the motor whilst idling, and will restart the motor quickly when you release the brake in ‘D’. Over-all, this motor is pretty refined, but you can experience vibrations within the cabin at idle when the AC compressor kicks in. Also, as the revs climb, the transmission whines a honest bit.
Simply because it is designed on the identical rough system as the Renault Duster, the Nissan feels unfazed above the roughest of highway circumstances. Even at highway speeds, it remains stable and secure, and it’ll even alter route with a substantial degree of confidence. Its steering is lighter than the outgoing diesel’s, but it continue to transmits a honest bit of shocks whilst likely above rough sections or whilst cornering tricky.
Its exterior and inside styling are unchanged, and there is not even a badge to distinguish this turbo version from the one.five-litre by natural means aspirated petrol which is marketed along with. Its cabin appears to be neat, but the interiors never experience as quality as you’d count on in a auto that prices above Rs 17 lakh on highway. Also, remaining a mid-spec variant, it misses out many options, like a sunroof, auto headlamps, and facet and curtain airbags, which are envisioned in this segment.
New turbo motor is tuned for drivability and responsiveness.
Irrespective of boasting of very best-in-class motor specs, the Nissan Kicks Turbo automatic’s effectiveness isn’t specifically outstanding. And whilst it is less costly than the turbo versions of its Korean rivals, it continue to does not appear across as fantastic value for dollars as it lacks the general finesse and good quality of the Koreans, and also misses many options. A slim dealer network and poor manufacturer recall never help its case both.
However, if you have usually liked the Renault Duster for its rough construction and experienced driving manners, but wished something a bit far more quality and modern, the Nissan Kicks is for you. Its turbo-petrol motor is sleek, pretty drivable and person-pleasant, and the new CVT computerized will make the Kicks easier to push.
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