Nissan has lastly launched an auto gearbox for the Kicks, and the configuration provided is a CVT (repeatedly variable transmission) paired to a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. At costs ranging between Rs 13.45 and 14.15 lakh (ex-showroom, India), it’s obtainable solely in mid-spec variants, commanding a premium of Rs 1.50-1.60 lakh over its handbook counterparts.
The 1.3-litre turbo-petrol comes with a powerful resume – it has been co-developed by the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance and Daimler. It even shares a few of its state-of-the-art engineering with the Nissan GT-R supercar; and it produces a class-best 156hp and 254Nm of torque. And it shines in the actual world too with its smoothness, linear energy supply and responsiveness. Its huge torque unfold from as little as 1,600rpm and robust mid-range efficiency makes gentle work of darting into site visitors gaps, cruising at freeway speeds or overtaking fast paced automobiles.
The seven-step CVT enhances this engine effectively. It’s an intuitive transmission which retains the engine spinning optimally to make sure there’s at all times efficiency obtainable on faucet. For essentially the most half it performs its duties very easily; nonetheless, whereas slowing right down to crawling speeds, it often will get jerky when transitioning to its lowest step. What’s good is that the sequential mode gives handbook management – it responds effectively to inputs and obliges with aggressive downshifts for robust engine braking.
Auto is easy and intuitive; is responsive in handbook mode.
The Nissan Kicks CVT will depart all its rivals behind in a 0-60kph site visitors gentle dash (with a good bit of torque steer). Nevertheless, its Korean rivals are a lot faster in a rolling race or in flat-out acceleration.
There’s a brand new engine cease/begin function on supply, which seamlessly switches off the engine whereas idling, and can restart the engine mechanically while you launch the brake in ‘D’. Total, this engine is sort of refined, however you possibly can really feel vibrations contained in the cabin at idle when the AC compressor kicks in. Additionally, because the revs climb, the transmission whines a good bit.
As a result of it’s constructed on the identical robust platform because the Renault Duster, the Nissan feels unfazed over the roughest of highway situations. Even at freeway speeds, it stays secure and safe, and it’ll even change path with a excessive diploma of confidence. Its steering is lighter than the outgoing diesel’s, but it surely nonetheless transmits a good bit of shocks whereas going over tough sections or whereas cornering laborious.
Its exterior and inside styling are unchanged, and there’s not even a badge to tell apart this turbo model from the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol that’s bought alongside. Its cabin appears to be like neat, however the interiors don’t really feel as premium as you’d anticipate in a automotive that prices over Rs 17 lakh on highway. Additionally, being a mid-spec variant, it misses out a number of options, like a sunroof, auto headlamps, and aspect and curtain airbags, that are anticipated on this section.
New turbo engine is tuned for drivability and responsiveness.
Regardless of boasting of best-in-class engine specs, the Nissan Kicks Turbo computerized’s efficiency isn’t significantly excellent. And whereas it’s cheaper than the turbo variations of its Korean rivals, it nonetheless doesn’t come throughout pretty much as good worth for cash because it lacks the general finesse and high quality of the Koreans, and in addition misses a number of options. A slender supplier community and poor model recall don’t assist its case both.
Nevertheless, in the event you’ve at all times liked the Renault Duster for its robust development and mature driving manners, however needed one thing a bit extra premium and fashionable, the Nissan Kicks is for you. Its turbo-petrol engine is easy, very drivable and user-friendly, and the brand new CVT computerized makes the Kicks simpler to drive.
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