Nissan Kicks Diesel XV

The Nissan Kicks Diesel XV is built on an updated version of the M0 platform, which it shares with the Renault Duster and Captur, but it stands out with its unique design and robust build. The exterior features a tall upright cabin, flat bonnet, and tough body cladding, giving it a beefy and macho appearance. The 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine produces 110hp and 240Nm of torque, providing ample power for both city and highway driving. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing road undulations effectively, and the handling is neat and tidy with good straightline stability. The interior is premium with a black-brown colour scheme, leather finishes, and good noise insulation. While it lacks an automatic transmission option and has some ergonomic issues, the Kicks is a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, offering a blend of style, comfort, and performance.

The Nissan Kicks Diesel XV is a robust and stylish compact SUV that stands out in its segment. It rides and handles exceptionally well, making it a joy to drive on both city roads and highways. The 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine, although a bit rough at idle, smoothens out as it gains speed and offers strong mid-range performance, making overtaking effortless. The interior is premium, with a black-brown colour scheme and leather finishes, and the noise insulation is commendable, muting the diesel engine clatter effectively. However, the lack of an automatic transmission option and some ergonomic issues in the cabin are notable drawbacks. Despite these, the Kicks is a credible alternative to the Hyundai Creta, especially for those who value a comfortable ride, good handling, and a stylish design.

Nissan has officially discontinued the Nissan Kicks in India, including the Diesel XV variant, due to poor sales and the vehicle not meeting the Bharat Stage 6 Phase 2 emissions regulations. This marks the end of an era for the Kicks in the Indian market. I think this decision was inevitable given the stringent emission norms.

The Nissan Kicks Diesel XV was one of the top variants available in India, featuring a 1.5-litre diesel engine that produced 110PS of power and was paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. It was known for its decent performance and fuel efficiency. I believe this engine was one of the highlights of the Kicks.

In terms of safety features, the Nissan Kicks Diesel XV came equipped with ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, and four airbags. It also featured a 360-degree parking assist system, which was a unique offering in its segment. This made it a safer choice for buyers.

The Kicks Diesel XV had a range of comfort and convenience features, including LED headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto AC, a cooled glovebox, cruise control, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features made it a competitive option in the compact SUV segment.

Nissan introduced the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the Kicks lineup, but the diesel variant remained popular for its torque and fuel efficiency. The diesel engine was particularly favored for highway driving. I think the diesel engine was a better fit for Indian road conditions.

The Nissan Kicks Diesel XV is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom prices start at around Rs 11.20 lakhs for the base XL diesel variant and go up to Rs 17.64 lakhs for the top-spec XV Premium diesel. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, can range from approximately Rs 13.5 lakhs to Rs 20.5 lakhs, depending on the state and local taxes. While it may not be the cheapest option, the pricing is justified by the vehicles robust build, premium interior, and strong performance. For those looking for a stylish and capable compact SUV, the Kicks offers good value for money.

The Nissan Kicks Diesel XV offers respectable fuel efficiency, which is a crucial factor for many buyers in India. Under test conditions, the diesel version has returned around 12.90 kmpl in the city and 16.12 kmpl on the highway. In real-world usage, owners have reported mileage of up to 19.2 kmpl on long trips with a mix of highway and city driving. This makes the Kicks a frugal choice, helping to keep running costs in check.