Nissan, the Japanese automaker, is planning to launch a sub-4 metre SUV in the Indian car market. If reports are to be believed, the company SUV will be based on the Kicks concept, which was unveiled at the Sao Paulo Auto Show. The Kicks shown in Brazil was already the closer-to-production version of the Extrem concept shown at 2012 Sao Paulo Motor Show. Noticias Automotivas has released the renderings of the production-version SUV, which will be launched in the Brazilian market next year.
The rendering looks very much identical to the concept; however, the company will make changes to its bumpers, wheel arches, character lines and others to make it road compatible. While the Brazilian-spec model will be longer than 4 metre, the model to be launched in India will be a sub-4 metre SUV. To be positioned under the Terrano, the sub-compact SUV will be eligible to enjoy the excise duty benefits available on sub-4 metre cars.
The Kicks compact SUV is likely to be showcased at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo. Set to rival against the likes of Ford EcoSport and upcoming compact SUVs from Maruti, Tata Motors and Mahindra, the compact SUV is likely to go on sale by the end of 2016 or early 2017.
Few reports suggest that the Nissan Kicks will be based on the V-Platform that also spawns the Micra and Sunny sedan. Under the bonnet, the compact SUV is likely to get a 1.5-litre K9K diesel and a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Image Credit-Noticias Automotivas
