Let’s face it; the Nissan Kicks never really managed to create a fan following for itself in India. There are several reasons for it, but primarily there are just two. One, it had to compete with more rounded products like the Hyundai Creta and the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross. And two, it packs less power than the Tata Nexon, which caters to a segment lower. To make things worse for Nissan, the Kia Seltos took the compact SUV space by storm with its strikingly-good looks and a long list of creature comforts.

Time, then, for the Japanese to fight back! As you must be aware, Nissan hasn’t launched the BS6-compliant (Bharat Stage 6) Kicks range. Well, that should happen in weeks to come. And when it does, every compact SUV prospect customer will take notice. Like the Renault Duster, with which it shares the underpinnings, the Kicks will ditch diesel. Its entry to mid-level variants will have an upgraded 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 105bhp/142Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

However, the top-tier derivatives will have a brand-new petrol engine – a turbocharged 1.3-litre. That, as per Nissan, will produce 154bhp/254Nm, and will solely come coupled to an 8-step CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Both the Creta and the Seltos come with a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol which generates 138bhp/242Nm, while a 7-speed dual-clutch unit handles transmission duties. Nissan goes on to mention that the new engine has the same cylinder coating technology as in the engine that powers the legendary GT-R. In essence, the new powerplant will not just be about the oomph but also about mileage. The new CVT, on the other hand, should offer a smoother driving experience.

The same engine-transmission setup will also find duty in the range-topping derivatives of Renault’s Duster and Captur. If you haven’t driven the Kicks just yet, do take it for a test drive. You know, whenever the lockdown is over! You’ll be amazed by how good is the suspension setup. It offers a very comfortable and connected driving experience. And with the new powerhouse, it would give the competition a darn good fight!