Its raining compact SUVs this month with all-new launches as well as updated models lined up for launch to sway the market demand. While Hyundai kick-started the month with the Creta Sports Edition, Nissan India has launched the new Kicks XE variant priced at Rs. 9.89 lakh (ex-showroom, India). the Nissan Kicks XE is the new entry-level variant available on the diesel version and undercuts the XL (current base) trim by about Rs. 1.2 lakh. Nissan says the new XE variant comes loaded with over 50 features, while the other variants including the XL, XV and the new XV Pre too get additional features and a price hike.
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Speaking on the introduction of the new trim, Sriram Padmanabhan, Vice President - Marketing, Nissan Motor India said, "The new Nissan Kicks has generated positive response from SUV enthusiasts from across the country. Responding to the immense interest in an entry-level diesel variant, we have introduced the new XE Diesel trim. The feature-rich new XE diesel trim offers a great value proposition to the consumers while ensuring best-in-class services and quality assurance."
Also Read: Hyundai Creta Sports Edition Launched In India
The higher variants Nissan Kicks have received a hike in prices between Rs. 2000-24,000
Some of the features on the Nissan Kicks XE Diesel include auto climate control with rear AC vent, cooled glovebox, 2DIN audio system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, shark fin antenna, central door lock, impact sensing auto door look, rear parking sensors and more. The compact SUV also comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist as standard, while the Nissan Connect tech adds features like geo-fencing, speed alert, curfew alert, locate my car and share my car location. You also get keyless entry, and push-button start-stop via intelligent Key, and 'Lead Me to Car' features. The XE trim will also witness a lower on-road price with several state governments levying additional taxes on cars priced above Rs. 10 lakh.
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The range-topping XE Pre & Pre-Option variants have been replaced by the single XE Premium trim
Nissan has also re-jigged the pricing on the top variants as well between Rs. 2000-24,000, depending on the trim. The company has also rejigged the top-of-the-line XV Pre and XV Pre-Option trims into one variant - XV Premium - that gets also features from the Pre-Option variant but is about Rs. 1 lakh cheaper. Compared to the XE trim, the higher versions boast of an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, voice recognition, LED projector headlamps, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 360-degree camera, side airbags, leather seats, dual-tone paint scheme and a lot more.
Power on the Nissan Kicks diesel variants continues to come from the 1.5-litre K9k four-cylinder engine tuned for 108 bhp and 240 Nm of peak torque, while paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. There is no automatic on offer as yet. Nissan promises an ARAI claimed fuel efficiency of 20.45 kmpl on the diesel version, while the 104 bhp 1.5-litre petrol returns 14.23 kmpl.
Apart from the Nissan Kicks, the compact SUV segment is also expected to see a special Black edition for the Tata Harrier, while the Kia Seltos is scheduled for launch on August 22, 2019.
