The compact crossover car market in 2021 has become a fiercely competitive field, with each manufacturer competing for buyer attention. Nissan Kicks The 2021 model year has taken a strong position, offering a balance between affordable price and modern equipment. This car was a logical continuation of the success of the model, which was initially positioned as an ideal city transport for young and active drivers.

Unlike many competitors, Nissan Kicks The 2021 doesn't try to imitate full-fledged SUVs, being honest about its urban nature. However, the company's engineers managed to add enough characteristics for confident movement on light off-road and highways. You get a compact, maneuverable car with high ground clearance and a stylish design that stands out from similar SUVs.

Design and Exterior: V-Motion style in a compact format

Appearance Nissan Kicks 2021 is made in the corporate style of V-Motion, which has already become the hallmark of the brand. The front of the car is dominated by a large radiator grille framed by a chrome strip, which visually expands the hood. The LED headlights have a sharp, predatory cut, integrated into the overall line of the body, which gives the car an aggressive and modern look.

The crossover profile is characterized by a sloping roofline that smoothly merges into the C-pillar, creating a “floating roof” effect. This solution not only improves aerodynamics, but also makes the silhouette more sporty. The wheel arches are emphasized with plastic linings that protect the body from minor scratches and dirt when driving on bad roads.

From the rear, the car looks more massive thanks to a wide bumper and lining that imitates a protective element. The brake lights are connected by a chrome strip, which is a trend in recent years. Please note that the rear lights have a complex internal structure, which adds an expensive appearance even in basic trim levels.

  • 🚗 Aerodynamic drag 0.31 reduces fuel consumption on the highway.
  • 🔧 Plastic door sill covers protect the body from chips.
  • 💡 LED optics provide excellent visibility at night.

Interior and ergonomics: Technology guarding comfort

Salon Nissan Kicks The 2021 offers a surprising amount of passenger space considering the car's compact exterior dimensions. The designers used light colors and quality materials to visually expand the space. The center console is designed in a “double wave” style, which separates the driver’s area from the front passenger’s area and adds ergonomics.

The thick-rimmed multifunction steering wheel is comfortable for long trips, and the driving position is reminiscent of a cockpit thanks to the high vantage point. The front seats are heated and have good lateral support, which is critical for active driving. However, it is worth noting that the upholstery material in some trim levels can be quite easily soiled.

The multimedia system is one of the key advantages of the model. The large multimedia screen is located at an angle towards the driver, making it easier to control on the go. Support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with your car, using navigation and music without distraction from the road. The keyless entry system works stably and responds quickly to pressing the engine start button.

⚠️ Attention: In winter, it is recommended to warm up the interior before driving, as the plastic of the instrument panel becomes more fragile in severe frosts and can make extraneous sounds when pressed.

Specifications and engine

With my heart Nissan Kicks 2021 is a time-tested 1.6-liter gasoline engine. This power unit develops 123 horsepower and provides a torque of 154 Nm. The engine combines sufficient dynamics for the city and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for daily driving.

Paired with the engine is a CVT gearbox. Xtronic CVT. It ensures smooth gear shifting, eliminating the jerking typical of classic automatic transmissions. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 11 seconds, which is average in the class, but for city driving this is more than enough.

The car's suspension is tuned for comfort. The front independent MacPherson strut suspension and multi-link rear suspension effectively absorb road surface irregularities. When cornering, the car demonstrates good stability, although during sharp maneuvers slight body roll is possible due to the soft tuning.

  • 🛣️ Combined fuel consumption is approx. 7.2 liters per 100 km.
  • ⚙️ The variator provides a stepless change in the gear ratio.
  • 🔋 Fuel tank volume — 41 liter, which provides a power reserve of up to 500 km.
📊 Which body type is your priority?
  • Sedan
  • Hatchback
  • Crossover
  • SUV

Safety and driver assistance systems

Safety in Nissan Kicks 2021 is provided with a complex of active and passive systems. Six airbags come standard, including side and curtain airbags, protecting first- and second-row occupants. Stabilization system VDC prevents skidding and loss of control of the car on slippery surfaces.

Among active safety systems, technology stands out Nissan Intelligent Mobility. It includes a blind spot monitoring system (BSW), which alerts the driver to the presence of other vehicles when you are planning to change lanes. Also available is Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), which can detect pedestrians and prevent low-speed collisions.

The all-round camera and parking sensors greatly simplify the process of parking in cramped urban environments. A panoramic image is formed on the display of the multimedia system, allowing you to see obstacles from all sides. This is especially useful when maneuvering on narrow streets or tight parking areas.

⚠️ Warning: Do not rely entirely on driver assistance systems. In difficult weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, cameras and sensors may not work correctly, so always monitor the situation visually.

☑️ Safety check before purchase

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Options and features of choice

Range of configurations Nissan Kicks 2021 allows you to choose a car to suit any needs and budget. The basic version is already equipped with air conditioning, electric windows and a multimedia system with Bluetooth support. However, for a comfortable ride, it is recommended to consider versions with an extended list of options.

More expensive trim levels include a leather interior, heated steering wheel, climate control and a keyless entry system. An option package is also available that includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. The choice depends on whether you plan to use the car mainly in the city or often go on the highway.

Particular attention should be paid to the choice of body color. For 2021, Nissan offered several exclusive shades, including deep blue and metallic. Light body colors hide minor scratches better and heat up less in the sun, which can be an important factor when operating in hot climates.

  • 🎨 Exclusive body colors are available only in top trim levels.
  • 🛡️ The safety package includes an all-round visibility system and parking sensors.
  • ❄️ Climate control ensures optimal temperature in the cabin all year round.
What does the Comfort package hide?

The Comfort package often lacks front parking sensors and heated rear seats, which can be critical for family trips.

Operation and Maintenance

Service Nissan Kicks 2021 does not require significant financial costs. Consumables are available and reasonably priced. The maintenance schedule includes changing the engine oil and filters every 15,000 kilometers, which is standard for Japanese cars.

Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the variator. The gearbox oil should be changed every 60,000 kilometers, even if the manufacturer claims an “indefinite” service life. Regular oil changes extend the life of the variator and prevent costly repairs. It is also recommended to check the condition of the drive belts and spark plugs.

Winter operation of the car does not cause problems due to good heating of the interior and an effective heating system. However, it is worth considering that the car’s plastic ground clearance is not intended for serious winter roads. The use of winter tires is mandatory for safe driving on snow and ice.

Масло для двигателя: 5W-30 или 5W-40

Замена масла: каждые 15 000 км

Замена масла в вариаторе: каждые 60 000 км

💡

Keep receipts for all maintenance performed. When selling a car, having a complete service history significantly increases its market value and buyer confidence.

Comparison with competitors

In the compact crossover market Nissan Kicks 2021 competes with models such as Renault Kaptur, Hyundai Creta and Kia Stonic. The main advantage of Nissan is the more refined operation of the suspension and CVT, which provides better comfort on rough roads. At the same time, competitors may offer more trunk space or richer equipment for the same price.

Compared to Hyundai Creta, That Nissan Kicks looks more stylish and modern, especially in terms of interior design. However, the Creta often has a more spacious rear row of seats and higher ground clearance, which can be a deciding factor for those who often drive on bad roads. The choice depends on priorities: style and comfort or practicality and cross-country ability.

The table below provides a comparison of key features Nissan Kicks with main competitors:

Model Engine (hp) Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s) Trunk volume (l) Ground clearance (mm)
Nissan Kicks 2021 123 11.0 420 205
Hyundai Creta 2021 123 10.9 430 190
Renault Kaptur 2021 114 11.2 377 203
Kia Stonic 2021 120 10.9 352 190
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The 2021 Nissan Kicks offers the best balance between suspension comfort and driving dynamics in its class, despite having less trunk space than some competitors.

Conclusion and final conclusions

Nissan Kicks The 2021 model year remains one of the most compelling offerings in the compact crossover segment. It combines stylish design, modern technology and a reliable technical base. The car is ideal for urban environments, where its maneuverability and compactness become undeniable advantages.

Although there are competitors that may offer more space or slightly better off-road capability, Nissan Kicks benefits from the build quality and smooth operation of all systems. This is a car that will not disappoint its owners in everyday use and will become a reliable companion for many years.

If you are looking for a car that will please the eye, provide comfort and not require frequent service visits, then Nissan Kicks 2021 is a great choice. The main advantage of the model is the combination of Japanese reliability with modern European design, which is rare in this price segment.

  • ✅ Reliable engine and variator ensure long service life.
  • 🎯 Stylish design makes the car stand out from its competitors.
  • 🛠️ Easy maintenance and availability of spare parts.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Nissan Kicks in the city?

In the urban cycle, fuel consumption is approximately 8.5–9.0 liters per 100 km, depending on driving style and road congestion. On the highway this figure drops to 6.0–6.5 liters.

Does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have all-wheel drive?

Unfortunately, the 2021 Nissan Kicks is only offered with front-wheel drive in most markets. An all-wheel drive version was not provided in this generation of the model, since the car is aimed at urban use.

What is the trunk volume of the Nissan Kicks?

The trunk volume is 420 liters with the seats folded down. With the rear row of seats up, the volume is reduced to 330 liters, which is enough to carry shopping or a small amount of luggage.

How reliable is the Xtronic CVT in this model?

The Xtronic CVT is considered quite reliable, subject to regular maintenance. It is recommended to change the gearbox oil every 60,000 km to avoid premature wear and costly repairs.

Is there a heated steering wheel as standard?

In the basic configuration, a heated steering wheel is usually not available. This option is available in more expensive versions, such as Comfort Plus or Tekna, which also include climate control and leather upholstery.