News (EN)

Nissan launches new generation of Kicks with exclusive e-Power engine and dual 12-inch dashboard

Nissan Kicks 2026 frente
Photo: Nissan Kicks 2026 frente - Photo: Divulgação

The Japanese automaker has officially announced the arrival of the second generation of its compact sports utility vehicle on the Asian market, with sales expected to start in the last quarter of this year. The vehicle underwent a complete redesign of its structure, adopting a new platform that aims to increase the torsional rigidity and durability of the chassis in different driving conditions.

Unlike the model previously sold, the new version abandons the rounded lines to adopt a more square and robust posture. The manufacturer’s strategy is to align the car’s appearance with the brand’s latest global standards, seeking to attract consumers who value an imposing and modern design in daily urban traffic.

日産キックスセンス
Nissan Kicks Sense – 開示/日産

The development of this generation took into account the specific demands of local drivers, resulting in fine adjustments to the suspension and electric steering calibration. Engineering focused on delivering a more stable driving experience, suitable for both high-speed expressways and the narrow streets of large Japanese metropolises.

Expanded architecture and optimization of internal space

The dimensions of the utility vehicle have grown significantly to provide greater comfort for occupants and increase cargo capacity. The total length now reaches 4,366 millimeters, while the width has been expanded to 1,801 millimeters, figures that place the vehicle at a higher level within its category in the automotive market.

The wheelbase also underwent important structural changes, measuring exactly 2,660 millimeters. Esse The increase directly reflects the space available for the legs of passengers traveling in the rear seat, resolving one of the main criticisms directed at the previous generation of the model by owners and sector experts.

The trunk was redesigned to optimize luggage accommodation, maintaining a flat area even with the rear seats completely folded down. The new arrangement of mechanical components allowed the compartment to be deepened without compromising the space allocated to the spare tire or quick tire repair kits, facilitating family use.

In addition to the gain in useful volume, acoustic engineering applied new sound absorbing materials to the doors, floor and fire wall of the engine compartment. The main objective is to isolate the cabin from external noise, wind and tire rolling, raising the standard of silence on board during long road trips.

Electrified motorization and fuel efficiency

The Japanese market will exclusively receive the engine based on the brand’s hybrid propulsion system, which uses the combustion engine only as an energy generator to power the lithium-ion battery pack. The vehicle is driven 100% of the time by the electric motor, which guarantees instant torque delivery and linear acceleration, typical characteristics of fully electric cars. The system calibration was rigorously adjusted to maximize the thermal efficiency of the gasoline engine, drastically reducing fuel consumption and polluting gas emissions in heavy traffic and urban congestion scenarios.

The transmission has been reconfigured to work in perfect harmony with the new energy management software, reducing the combustion engine’s revolutions at cruising speeds to avoid unnecessary noise. The positioning of the battery pack was relocated to the central part of the vehicle’s floor, a complex structural change that lowered the center of gravity and improved weight distribution between the front and rear axles. Essa technical change results in less body roll in tight curves and provides a greater sense of safety for the driver when carrying out evasive maneuvers at high speeds.

Cabin digitalization and advanced connectivity

The interior environment of the sports utility vehicle was completely modernized to meet the demands of a highly connected public, highlighting the adoption of a front panel made up of two 12.3-inch digital screens integrated under the same anti-reflective glass frame. The first screen acts as a configurable instrument panel, displaying vital driving data, real-time hybrid system energy flow and scheduled maintenance alerts. The second display concentrates the functions of the infotainment system, satellite navigation with traffic updates and cabin climate adjustments. The native software offers fast processing and supports cable-free smartphone mirroring, making it easy to access music apps, maps and read text messages by voice command. The designers chose to keep some essential physical controls on the center console, such as the rotary volume buttons and tactile shortcuts for the automatic air conditioning, ensuring that the driver does not need to take their attention off the road to make simple adjustments while driving. The interior finish uses soft-touch materials on the dashboard and doors, replacing the hard plastics of the previous generation with textured linings that simulate leather with contrasting stitching, elevating the perception of overall quality and refinement of the cabin.

Commercial dispute in the utilities segment

The introduction of the new model occurs at a time of high competition in the Asian market, where other traditional automakers already dominate a large part of sales with widely consolidated products. Veículos Direct competitors have a strong popular appeal due to their history of mechanical reliability and the aggressive prices charged for their entry-level versions at dealerships.

To gain market share and attract new customer profiles, the commercial strategy involves positioning the car as a superior category option, justifying a possible higher value through the robust technological package offered as standard. The manufacturer is betting that the consumer will be willing to invest more for the exclusive electrified engine and the refined level of finish.

The dealer network will begin an intensive test-drive program focused on demonstrating the practical advantages of immediate electric torque and the high level of onboard silence. The management’s expectation is that practical driving experience will be the decisive factor in converting customers who currently own models from rival brands in the same price range.

Road assistance and safety systems

The active safety package has been updated with the inclusion of long-range radar sensors and high-definition cameras installed in the windshield and door mirrors. The driving assistance system allows the vehicle to maintain cruising speed, adjust the safe distance to the car in front and remain centered in the lane autonomously on well-signposted highways.

Emergency braking technology is now capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists even in low light conditions at night, automatically applying the brakes if the driver does not react in time. Sensores blind spot and rear cross traffic alert complete the list of equipment aimed at preventing side collisions and accidents during parking maneuvers.

Visual identity and external aerodynamics

The front of the vehicle features a redesigned front grille that reinterprets the brand’s classic concept, merging with the tapered LED headlights to create a horizontal light signature that expands the perception of the car’s width. The roof with contrasting paint and floating effect was maintained as the model’s trademark, but the inclination of the rear column was considerably softened to reduce aerodynamic drag, directly contributing to the improvement of fuel consumption rates on road journeys. Nas sides, the pronounced wheel arches house light alloy wheels with an unprecedented design, which can reach 19 inches in the top of the line versions, filling the visual space and reinforcing the sporty stance of the utility vehicle on the streets.