Posted by Group1 Nissan on 20 Dec 2024
While we enjoy sunshine and beaches in South Africa, it’s a cold, white Christmas for the team at Nissan in Quebec. But this winter wonderland is where the all-new Nissan Kicks was put through some of the toughest, most extreme winter evaluations imaginable. As standard practice, testing begins years before production, and for this case, it culminated in February 2024 when a near-final assessment for the new second-generation Kicks was completed in Quebec City.
Because this Nissan is definitely on our wishlist for South Africa, we wanted to share some interesting facts about this exciting new model.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is not your average subcompact SUV. Now a vast improvement over the first-generation Kicks, it sees some major upgrades that transform it from a basic entry-level hatchback into a stylish, capable subcompact SUV. Taller, longer, and wider than before, the new Kicks boasts a cheeky design with pronounced wheel arches, a bold grille, and optional two-tone colour schemes.
Inside, the Kicks has grown to offer more rear-seat room and cargo space so passengers and gear fit comfortably. The 2025 model is packed with tech upgrades too, including a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen and the option for dual 12.3-inch displays in the higher-spec trim. You’ll also find advanced driver-assistance features, with Nissan’s ProPilot Assist now available to give you extra confidence on the road.
Under the hood, the Kicks is powered by a robust 105 kW 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The powertrain is designed to deliver better acceleration than the previous model’s engine while maintaining fuel efficiency. For those who crave versatility, an optional all-wheel-drive system (a first for Kicks) is available across all trim levels, making the stylish subcompact SUV suitable for various driving conditions and road surfaces.
The AWD models of the new Kicks come equipped with a “Snow” driving mode, which improves performance and stability on slippery surfaces, even when cornering. With an impressive 212 mm of ground clearance, the Kicks is also well-equipped to easily handle rough roads and snowy conditions.
After years of global collaboration and rounds of quality testing, the 2025 Nissan Kicks is ready for anything. No matter what the weather is like or if navigating the urban jungle or tackling a weekend road trip, the Kicks is up to the challenge.
Even with the addition of the all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, the new Kicks remains one of the more affordable subcompact SUVs in international markets. We’re crossing our fingers that it will soon arrive in South Africa. If the next-generation Kicks does arrive, it’s set to play an even bigger role, especially now that the Qashqai has been discontinued. The Kicks could be a nice replacement, offering a stylish, spacious, and feature-rich option for those who want more from their subcompact SUV.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on our blog and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and announcements about Nissan.
The post The 2025 Kicks Is Built For Life’s Extremes appeared first on Nissan Blog at Group1.
Posted by Group1 Nissan on 03 Oct 2024
At Group1 Nissan, we’re always excited to follow the latest developments from Nissan’s global lineup, especially when those developments hint at vehicles we’d love to see cruising down South African streets. One vehicle that has recently caught our attention is the 2025 Nissan Kicks.
Although it is not available in sunny Mzansi yet, this dynamic compact SUV has sparked our imaginations, and we can’t help but add it to our wish list. Here’s why the Nissan Kicks is a vehicle we’d love to see driving alongside our local favourites.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks takes a significant leap forward in design, creating a vehicle that looks bold and modern from every angle. Nissan’s design team drew inspiration from an unlikely source – high-end sneakers! The result is a sleek yet rugged appearance that demands attention. With its wide stance, bold fenders, and a squared-off lower body, the Kicks exudes a tough, road-ready look. But don’t be fooled – this SUV is just as stylish as it is rugged.
The two-tone paint options available on some trims only enhance this stylish look. With colour combinations that pop, the Kicks makes a statement, showing that even compact SUVs can pack a visual punch. From the sharp lines of the front grille to the wraparound LED taillights, the Kicks is a head-turner. We can already picture it fitting right in with the vibrant and varied landscapes of South Africa.
Step inside the Nissan Kicks, and you’ll be greeted with a surprising amount of space and an impressive array of technology. Though it’s compact on the outside, the Kicks maximises interior space, offering increased shoulder room for both front and rear passengers. This makes it perfect for navigating busy city streets or taking a leisurely road trip through the Karoo.
But it’s not just about space—the tech is where the Kicks really shines. Nissan has equipped the 2025 model with a dual-screen setup, a standard 7-inch display, and for higher trims, a generous 12.3-inch infotainment screen. This tech-forward approach continues with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, which means you can seamlessly connect your devices without the clutter of cables. And with features like wireless charging, your smartphone will always be ready to go.
A standout interior feature is Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, designed to reduce fatigue on long drives. Imagine settling into those comfy seats as you embark on a weekend getaway from Cape Town to the Garden Route or a day trip along the Blyde River Canyon—what a dream!
The Nissan Kicks is not just about style and tech – it’s also incredibly practical. One of the best features is its ample cargo space, offering up to 60 cubic feet of room when the rear seats are folded down. For those who like to pack up for camping trips, surf safaris, or even just to hit the shops, this versatility is a game-changer. Plus, the Kicks includes clever storage solutions like a hidden compartment below the trunk floor, ideal for keeping valuables out of sight.
In a country as diverse as South Africa, with its mix of urban environments and wild, open spaces, the flexibility of the Kicks would make it an ideal companion for any adventure, whether you’re exploring Cape Town’s bustling streets or the rugged terrain of the Drakensberg.
Safety is a top priority for Nissan, and the Kicks is no exception. The 2025 model comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield® 360, which includes a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features. Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Departure Warning all come standard. On higher trims, you’ll even find semi-autonomous driving capabilities with ProPILOT Assist, which could make long stretches on the N1 or N3 more manageable.
While some of these advanced features are already present in Nissan models available in South Africa, it’s always exciting to see how these innovations are being integrated and refined in new global releases like the Kicks. We can only hope to see these developments incorporated into future models for the South African market.
Under the hood, the 2025 Nissan Kicks features a 2.0-litre inline-four engine, generating 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. This might not sound like a beast on paper, but paired with Nissan’s smooth Xtronic CVT transmission, the Kicks delivers a responsive and comfortable driving experience.
Although the Kicks’ acceleration might not break any speed records, it’s perfectly suited for city driving and everyday commuting. Plus, with its commendable fuel efficiency, the Kicks proves that power doesn’t always mean sacrificing economy. This makes it a fantastic option for urban dwellers in South Africa who want a stylish and practical ride that won’t burn a hole in their wallets at the petrol station.
Although the Kicks is not yet available in South Africa, we can’t help but imagine how it would fit into our lives here. Whether you’re cruising through Bloemfontein’s streets, navigating the bustling traffic in Durbs, or venturing off the beaten path, the Nissan Kicks would be an exciting addition to our local roads. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that this compact SUV eventually makes its way to South African shores.
At Group1 Nissan, we love bringing you the latest news about Nissan’s innovative vehicles from around the world. While we wait to see what exciting models may come to South Africa, we encourage you to stay tuned to our blog for more updates. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see the Nissan Kicks right here in SA! Until then, keep checking back for more interesting Nissan news and updates.
The post Why We’re Adding The Nissan Kicks To Our SA Wishlist IMMEDIATELY appeared first on Nissan Blog at Group1.