Nissan Kicks 2018 is a compact crossover that quickly gained popularity among city drivers and young families. This model became a logical continuation of the line youth SUVs from the Japanese brand, offering stylish design, economical engines and rich equipment at an affordable price. Unlike its predecessor Nissan Juke, Kicks received more discreet shapes, a larger trunk and improved sound insulation - everything that is so valued in daily use.
Released on the platform Renault-Nissan Alliance, this crossover shares many technical solutions with Renault Captur And Datsun Cross, but stands out for its proprietary reliability Nissan and a unique front end design with a V-shaped grille. In 2018, the model was offered with gasoline engines of 1.6 l (114 hp) and turbocharged 1.2 l (115 hp), as well as with a manual or automatic transmission. But why Kicks so attracts buyers years after its debut? Let's figure it out.
Technical characteristics of Nissan Kicks 2018
Under the hood Nissan Kicks The 2018 model hides two main powertrains, each focused on different tasks. Basic naturally aspirated engine HR16DE volume 1.6 l develops 114 hp And 156 Nm torque. It is ideal for quiet driving around the city, where smoothness and efficiency are important. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is only 6.2–6.7 l/100 km - one of the best indicators in the class.
A more dynamic version - turbocharged H5FT volume 1.2 l with direct injection. With a modest working volume, it produces the same 115 hp, but already at 190 Nm torque available from low revs. This makes acceleration more confident, especially on the highway. However a turbo engine requires high-quality fuel (not lower than AI-95) and more frequent oil changes - every 10,000 km instead of 15,000 km for an aspirated engine.
| Parameter | 1.6 l (HR16DE) | 1.2 L Turbo (H5FT) |
|---|---|---|
| Power, hp | 114 | 115 |
| Torque, Nm | 156 | 190 |
| Fuel consumption (combined), l/100 km | 6.2–6.7 | 5.8–6.3 |
| Transmission | 5 manual transmission / 4 automatic transmission | 6 manual transmission / CVT |
| Max. speed, km/h | 175 | 180 |
Gearboxes on Kicks also deserve attention. Mechanical 5-speed simple and reliable, but 4-speed automatic already obsolete by 2018 - it is “dull” when switching and increases fuel consumption. Much more interesting is the variator Xtronic CVT, which was offered in tandem with a turbo engine. It simulates 7 “virtual” gears, which makes acceleration smoother and efficiency better.
- Atmospheric 1.6 l
- Turbo 1.2 l
- I don't know, I need some feedback
- I only care about fuel consumption
Options and equipment: what Nissan offered in 2018
In 2018 Nissan Kicks in Russia it was officially sold in three trim levels: Visia, Acenta And Tekna. Basic Visia included a minimum set of options: air conditioning, two airbags, electric front door windows and an audio system with 4 speakers. But even it had LED daytime running lights and a stabilization system ESP - important safety benefits.
Was considered the most balanced Acenta. Already appeared here:
- 🔹 Climate control with air purification filter
- 🔹 Multimedia system with
7-inch screenand supportApple CarPlay/Android Auto - 🔹 Rear view camera with dynamic marking lines
- 🔹Heated front seats and steering wheel
Flagship Tekna added leather interior, system Nissan Connect with navigation, light and rain sensors, as well as cruise control with speed limiter. Interestingly, even the top version lacked all-wheel drive - Kicks It was always front-wheel drive, which disappointed many. But the weight of the car remained minimal (1,100–1,200 kg), and handling is sharp.
What does the Tekna package hide?
In the Japanese and US versions, Tekna also included the system ProPILOT Assist — a prototype of an autopilot with a lane-keeping function and adaptive cruise control. Unfortunately, in Russia this option was not offered even for an additional fee.
Pros and cons of the 2018 Nissan Kicks: an honest analysis
Like any car, Kicks has its strengths and weaknesses. Among the undeniable advantages:
- 🚗 Stylish design with an aggressive front end and original boomerang headlights
- 💰 Low cost of ownership: cheap maintenance, available spare parts, economical engines
- 🅿️ Compact dimensions (
4,300 × 1,760 × 1,600 mm) - easy to park in the city - 🛡️ Good sound insulation for the class (better than Renault Captur same year)
However, there are also significant disadvantages that dealers are silent about:
- ⚠️ Weak dynamics with automatic: acceleration to 100 km/h takes
12–13 seconds - ⚠️ Stiff suspension on uneven surfaces - you can feel all the joints and holes
- ⚠️ Small trunk (
432 l) - less than Hyundai Creta (487 l) - ⚠️ Electronics problems in early games (multimedia glitches, headlights turning on spontaneously)
If you choose Kicks with mileage, be sure to check the service history of the turbo engine (if any). Many owners skimp on oil, which leads to scuffing of the pistons by 80,000–100,000 km.
The question deserves special attention reliability of the Xtronic variator. Unlike older models Nissan (For example, Qashqai J10), where the CVT often failed, in Kicks a modernized version with belt reinforcement and improved cooling is used. With proper operation (regular oil changes every 60,000 km) he serves 150,000–200,000 km no complaints.
Comparison with competitors: who is better?
In 2018, the main competitors Nissan Kicks were Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur, Kia Stonic And Toyota C-HR. Let's compare them based on key parameters:
| Model | Price (new, 2018) | Trunk volume, l | Minimum consumption, l/100 km | Warranty, years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Kicks | from 999,000 ₽ | 432 | 5.8 | 3 |
| Hyundai Creta | from 1,099,000 ₽ | 487 | 6.2 | 5 |
| Renault Captur | from 949,000 ₽ | 377 | 5.7 | 3 |
| Toyota C-HR | from 1,399,000 RUR | 377 | 5.5 | 3 |
Kicks wins against Captur in terms of sound insulation and build quality, but loses Creta in the warranty period and trunk volume. Toyota C-HR more expensive, but offers a hybrid version and legendary reliability. If the priority is price and design, then Kicks looks attractive. If you need space and a long warranty, it’s better to take a closer look at Hyundai.
The 2018 Nissan Kicks is the best choice for those who value style, efficiency and don't need all-wheel drive or a huge trunk.
Operation and Maintenance: What to Pay Attention to
Service Nissan Kicks does not require large expenses, but there are several nuances:
- 🔧 Oil change in the engine - every
10,000 kmfor turbo engine and15,000 kmfor aspirated - 🔧 Brake pads serve
30,000–40,000 km, but their wear depends on driving style - 🔧 Spark plugs — original
NGK IFR6T11enough for60,000 km - 🔧 Filters (air, cabin) - change once every
15,000 kmor more often when driving on dusty roads
One of the frequently asked questions is what kind of oil to pour into the engine. For HR16DE fits 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission API SN (For example, Nissan Motor Oil 5W-40 or Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30). For turbo engine H5FT synthetic oil with approval is required ILSAC GF-5 and viscosity 0W-20 or 5W-30. Using semi-synthetic or oils with a viscosity of 10W-40 will lead to accelerated wear of the turbine.
☑️ Preparation for maintenance of Nissan Kicks 2018
Another important point - winter operation. Despite the high ground clearance (200 mm), Kicks not intended for serious off-road use. At temperatures below -20°C recommended:
- ❄️ Use winter tires with studs or Velcro (size
205/60 R16) - ❄️ Warm up the engine
2–3 minutesbefore the trip (especially turbo engine) - ❄️ Check the condition of the battery - standard
60 Ahmay fail after 3-4 years of use
If your Kicks It doesn't start well in winter, check the spark plugs and coolant temperature sensor. Often the problem lies with them, and not with the battery.
Owner reviews: real operating experience
Reviews on forums and social networks about Nissan Kicks 2018 are divided approximately equally: some praise the car for its efficiency and design, others criticize it for its “crude” suspension and weak engines. Here are some typical opinions:
⚠️ Attention: Many owners complain about variator noise during a cold start. This is normal for a CVT, but if the noise does not go away after warming up or is accompanied by jerking, diagnostics are required. Often the problem is solved by changing the oil in the variator (original Nissan NS-3).
Among the positive aspects, the owners highlight:
- 👍 Low fuel consumption (real
6.5–7.5 l/100 kmin the city) - 👍 Comfortable chairs with good lateral support
- 👍 Easy to repair (many jobs can be done yourself)
The most frequently mentioned negatives are:
- 👎 Poor sound insulation of wheel arches (gravel noise can be heard)
- 👎 Inconvenient location of climate control buttons
- 👎 Frequent problems with electronics (for example, headlights turning on spontaneously)
Interestingly, most of the complaints concern cars first batches (until mid-2018). Later Nissan I modified the multimedia firmware and strengthened the front bumper mount, which solved some of the problems.
Prices for used Nissan Kicks 2018: is it worth buying?
On the secondary market in 2026 Nissan Kicks 2018 models can be found in price ranges from 700,000 to 1,100,000 rubles, depending on mileage and equipment. Average sentences look like this:
- 💵
700 000–800 000 ₽— basicVisiawith mileage80,000–100,000 km - 💵
850 000–950 000 ₽—Acentawith mileage50,000–70,000 km - 💵
1 000 000–1 100 000 ₽—Teknawith mileage up to40,000 kmor with a guarantee
When buying used Kicks be sure to check:
- 🔍 Service book — availability of all maintenance according to the regulations
- 🔍 CVT condition (if CVT) - are there any jerks during acceleration?
- 🔍 Body for rust (weak points - arches and sills)
- 🔍 Electronics operation (multimedia, parking sensors, camera)
⚠️ Attention: Found on the market Kicks, imported from Japan or the UAE. Such cars often have mileage 100,000+ km, but are sold as “European” ones with lower mileage. Check the history by VIN code through services like CarVertical or Autocheck.
Is it worth buying Nissan Kicks 2018 today? Yes, if:
- 👌 You need a stylish and economical crossover for the city
- 👌 You do not plan to drive off-road or transport large loads
- 👌 You are satisfied with front-wheel drive and modest dynamics
- 👎 All-wheel drive or high power reserves are important to you
- 👎 You often drive on dirt roads
- 👎 You are not prepared for possible problems with electronics
The 2018 Nissan Kicks is an excellent option for a budget crossover, but only if you carefully check it before purchasing and follow the maintenance schedule.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the 2018 Nissan Kicks
Which engine is more reliable: 1.6 or 1.2 Turbo?
Atmospheric 1.6 l (HR16DE) is considered more reliable and durable - its service life, with proper maintenance, reaches 300,000–400,000 km. Turbo engine 1.2 l (H5FT) more economical and dynamic, but requires more frequent oil changes (every 10,000 km) and quality fuel. If you drive mostly around the city and don’t race, it’s better to choose an aspirated one.
Is it possible to install all-wheel drive on Nissan Kicks?
Technically this is possible, but it is not economically feasible. Nissan Kicks built on a platform Renault B0, which initially does not provide all-wheel drive. To install 4WD, you will need to replace the rear suspension, driveshaft, transfer case and ECU firmware - the costs will exceed the cost of the car itself. Better to consider alternatives like Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Creta.
What tires are best for the Kicks?
Factory tire size for Nissan Kicks 2018 — 205/60 R16. For summer, models like Michelin Primacy 4 or Continental ContiPremiumContact 5. Studded ones are recommended for winter Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 or Velcro Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2. Important: tire pressure must be 2.2–2.4 bar front and 2.0–2.2 bar rear (indicated on the sticker in the doorway).
How to reset the service interval on Nissan Kicks?
To reset the service interval, follow these steps:
- Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
- Press and hold the button
TRIPon the dashboard. - Turn the key to position
ON(or click the buttonSTART/STOPwithout pressing the brake pedal). - Hold
TRIPyet10 secondsuntil the display shows"Service reset".
If you have a multimedia system Nissan Connect, reset can also be done through the menu Settings → Maintenance.
Where is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) located on a Nissan Kicks?
VIN number Nissan Kicks 2018 can be found in the following locations:
- On the plate under the windshield (visible from outside)
- On the nameplate in the driver's doorway
- In registration documents (STS, PTS)
- Under the hood - on a special platform next to the battery
When buying a used car, always check the VIN in these places - they must match.