March 29, 2024

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Nissan Kicks 1.3 Turbo CVT review, test drive

Nissan has ultimately introduced an car gearbox for the Kicks, and the configuration offered is a CVT (continually variable transmission) paired to a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. At charges ranging amongst Rs 13.forty five and 14.fifteen lakh (ex-showroom, India), it is available only in mid-spec variants, commanding a top quality of Rs 1.fifty-1.sixty lakh above its guide counterparts.

The 1.3-litre turbo-petrol arrives with an amazing resume – it has been co-formulated by the RenaultNissanMitsubishi Alliance and Daimler. It even shares some of its state-of-the-artwork engineering with the Nissan GT-R supercar and it generates a class-finest 156hp and 254Nm of torque. And it shines in the genuine planet too with its smoothness, linear electric power shipping and delivery and responsiveness. Its vast torque distribute from as reduced as 1,600rpm and sturdy mid-assortment overall performance helps make gentle work of darting into visitors gaps, cruising at highway speeds or overtaking fast going autos.

The 7-move CVT enhances this engine well. It is an intuitive transmission which retains the engine spinning optimally to assure there is often overall performance available on tap. For the most element it performs its obligations incredibly efficiently having said that, whilst slowing down to crawling speeds, it sometimes will get jerky when transitioning to its least expensive move. What is good is that the sequential method provides guide handle – it responds well to inputs and obliges with intense downshifts for sturdy engine braking.

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Vehicle is clean and intuitive is responsive in guide method.

The Nissan Kicks CVT will leave all its rivals behind in a -60kph visitors gentle dash (with a fair little bit of torque steer). Nonetheless, its Korean rivals are significantly faster in a rolling race or in flat-out acceleration.

There’s a new engine halt/start off attribute on supply, which seamlessly switches off the engine whilst idling, and will restart the engine immediately when you release the brake in ‘D’. Over-all, this engine is pretty refined, but you can really feel vibrations inside the cabin at idle when the AC compressor kicks in. Also, as the revs climb, the transmission whines a fair little bit.

For the reason that it is created on the similar hard system as the Renault Duster, the Nissan feels unfazed above the roughest of highway problems. Even at highway speeds, it continues to be stable and safe, and it’ll even change path with a substantial degree of self confidence. Its steering is lighter than the outgoing diesel’s, but it even now transmits a fair little bit of shocks whilst likely above rough sections or whilst cornering challenging.

Its exterior and interior styling are unchanged, and there is not even a badge to distinguish this turbo version from the 1.five-litre normally aspirated petrol that is offered together with. Its cabin seems to be neat, but the interiors really don’t really feel as top quality as you’d count on in a vehicle that expenses above Rs seventeen lakh on highway. Also, remaining a mid-spec variant, it misses out several attributes, like a sunroof, car headlamps, and facet and curtain airbags, which are predicted in this segment.

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New turbo engine is tuned for drivability and responsiveness.

Despite boasting of finest-in-class engine specs, the Nissan Kicks Turbo automatic’s overall performance is not specifically excellent. And whilst it is cheaper than the turbo versions of its Korean rivals, it even now doesn’t come across as superior value for money as it lacks the total finesse and quality of the Koreans, and also misses several attributes. A slim dealer network and very poor model recall really don’t assist its circumstance both.

Nonetheless, if you’ve often cherished the Renault Duster for its hard design and experienced driving manners, but preferred anything a little bit more top quality and contemporary, the Nissan Kicks is for you. Its turbo-petrol engine is clean, incredibly drivable and consumer-welcoming, and the new CVT automatic helps make the Kicks simpler to travel.

Also see:

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Nissan Kicks