Crossover Nissan Kicks the second generation, introduced in 2021, has become one of the most popular compact SUVs on the Russian market. The car combines stylish design, efficiency and adaptability to urban conditions. But what's hidden under the hood of this crossover? In this article we will look in detail technical specifications Nissan Kicks, including engines, transmission, suspension, and compare it with its main competitors.
The peculiarity of the model is its focus on a youth audience and urban exploitation. Kicks Available with gasoline engines, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, as well as modern security systems. But how do these parameters affect dynamics, fuel consumption and reliability? Let's figure it out.
Nissan Kicks engines: power, torque and features
In Russia Nissan Kicks available with two petrol engines: naturally aspirated 1.6-liter HR16DE and turbocharged 1.3 liter HR13DDT. The first is a time-tested unit, the second is more modern and economical.
1.6 HR16DE develops 124 hp at 6000 rpm And 158 Nm torque. This motor is known for its reliability, but does not shine with dynamics. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes approx. 11.5 seconds - quite enough for urban conditions, but on the highway it may seem slow.
1.3 HR13DDT with turbocharging produces 158 hp And 270 Nm, which makes it much faster. Acceleration to hundreds takes 9.5 seconds, and the maximum speed reaches 190 km/h. However, this engine is more demanding in terms of fuel quality and maintenance.
- 🔧 HR16DE - simple, reliable, but less dynamic.
- 🚀 HR13DDT — a turbo engine with better traction, but more expensive to maintain.
- ⛽ Both engines operate at
AI-95, but the turbocharged one is more sensitive to the octane number.
- 1.6 HR16DE (atmospheric)
- 1.3 HR13DDT (turbo)
- I don't care
- I haven't decided yet
Transmission: CVT or manual?
Paired with both motors Nissan Kicks proposed CVT Xtronic - Continuously variable transmission, known for its smooth operation. However, it also has disadvantages: during active acceleration, the variator can “think”, and the belt life requires monitoring.
Available for classic lovers 6-speed manual, but only in combination with 1.6 HR16DE. Mechanics are more reliable and cheaper to repair, but less comfortable in traffic jams.
Four-wheel drive All-Mode 4×4-i Available only with a turbo engine and a CVT. The system automatically engages the rear axle when slipping, but is not intended for serious off-road use.
⚠️ Attention! CVT Xtronic requires regular oil changes every 60,000 km. Skipping this interval can result in costly repairs.
| Transmission type | Compatible engines | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVT Xtronic | 1.6 HR16DE, 1.3 HR13DDT | Smooth running, economical | Expensive repairs, "thoughtfulness" during acceleration |
| 6-speed manual | 1.6 HR16DE | Reliability, low maintenance costs | Less comfortable in traffic jams |
| All-wheel drive 4×4-i | 1.3 HR13DDT | Better cross-country ability on snow and wet roads | Increased fuel consumption |
Suspension and handling: comfort vs. sportiness
Front suspension Nissan Kicks - independent, like MacPherson, rear - semi-independent torsion beam. This design provides a good balance between comfort and controllability, but is not designed for extreme loads.
The steering is equipped electric booster, which is adjusted depending on the speed. At low speeds the steering wheel is light, at high speeds it is more informative. However, some owners note excessive “emptiness” in the zero position.
Clearance Kicks amounts to 190 mm — enough for urban conditions, but not for serious off-road use. Approach and departure angles (19°/28°) also limit opportunities outside of asphalt.
How does the Kicks perform on bad roads?
On broken asphalt or gravel, the suspension works softly, but with sharp impacts (for example, deep holes), extraneous sounds can be heard from the plastic protection elements. The turbo modification with all-wheel drive holds the road better on wet surfaces, but will not save you from hydroplaning at speeds above 80 km/h.
Fuel consumption: real numbers vs. factory data
By passport Nissan Kicks 1.6 with variator consumes 6.2 l/100 km in a mixed cycle. In practice, owners note 7.5–9 l/100 km in the city and 5.8–6.5 l/100 km on the highway. Turbo engine 1.3 HR13DDT more gluttonous: the plant is declared 6.5 l/100 km, but the real consumption reaches 9–11 l/100 km in city mode.
Several factors influence consumption:
- 🛣️ Riding style — aggressive acceleration increases fuel consumption by 20–30%.
- ❄️ Temperature — in winter, consumption increases by 15–20% due to warming up and the heater being turned on.
- 🔧 Vehicle condition - a dirty air filter or low tire pressure can add up to
1 l/100 km.
To reduce fuel consumption, use the mode Eco Mode (available in most trim levels). It softens the response to the gas pedal and optimizes the operation of the variator.
Security and Electronics: What Does Kicks Offer?
Standard Nissan Kicks equipped 6 airbags, ABS, ESP And hill descent control system. More expensive versions receive:
- 🚗 360° camera — makes parking in tight yards easier.
- 🛑 Automatic emergency braking - works at speeds up to
80 km/h. - 🔄 Adaptive cruise control — maintains a distance to the vehicle in front.
However, the system ProPilot, available in some markets, is not offered in Russia. Also missing blind spot monitoring even in top trim levels.
⚠️ Attention! In models produced before 2023, there were problems with the operation of the rear view camera at low temperatures. Before purchasing, check that the multimedia system firmware is up to date.
Comparison with competitors: Kicks vs. Hyundai Creta vs. Kia Seltos
Nissan Kicks competes with Hyundai Creta And Kia Seltos — segment leaders. In terms of technical characteristics, it loses to the Koreans in power, but wins in price and design.
| Parameter | Nissan Kicks 1.3T | Hyundai Creta 1.5T | Kia Seltos 1.6T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power, hp | 158 | 163 | 177 |
| Torque, Nm | 270 | 253 | 265 |
| Consumption in the city, l/100 km | 9.5 | 10.2 | 10.5 |
| Price (base), rub. | from 1,899,000 | from 2,099,000 | from 2,149,000 |
Kicks cheaper than competitors, but inferior in dynamics and equipment. But it offers a more modern design and better sound insulation (according to owner reviews).
Nissan Kicks is the best choice for those who value style and efficiency, but are not preparing for aggressive driving or off-road driving.
Service and reliability: what to expect from Kicks?
According to service centers, Nissan Kicks does not have critical “childhood diseases”, but there are nuances:
- 🔋 Battery — in cold weather it may discharge faster due to the energy consumption of the electronics.
- 🛞 Brake pads - wear out faster on versions with all-wheel drive.
- 🎵 Multimedia — sometimes it “glitches” when connecting smartphones via
Android Auto.
The maintenance schedule requires changing the oil every 15,000 km or once a year. However, for a turbo engine HR13DDT it is better to reduce the interval to 10,000 km, especially when driving in the city.
☑️ What to check before buying a used Kicks
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Kicks
Which engine is more reliable: 1.6 or 1.3T?
1.6 HR16DE considered more reliable and less whimsical. 1.3 HR13DDT more powerful, but requires more frequent maintenance and high-quality fuel. For city driving, it is better to choose an atmospheric engine if you do not need dynamics.
Can I tow a trailer with the Kicks?
Yes, but with restrictions. Maximum trailer weight without brakes - 600 kg, with brakes - 1,200 kg. However, towing heavy trailers over long distances is not recommended due to the stress on the CVT.
What kind of oil should I put in the engine?
For HR16DE suitable oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 (For example, Nissan Strong Save X E 5W-30). For turbo engine HR13DDT It is imperative to use approved oil API SN or ILSAC GF-5, for example, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30.
Do Kicks have corrosion problems?
So far there are no widespread complaints about corrosion, but the owners recommend treating the bottom with an anti-corrosive agent before winter. Particular attention should be paid to the wheel arches and sills, where dirt accumulates.
Is it possible to install HBO on Kicks?
Technically yes, but Nissan does not recommend do this, as the operation of the injection system may be disrupted. For turbo engine HR13DDT installation of HBO is categorically undesirable due to the risk of overheating.