Photo: Nissan
With 10,157 models sold in 2017 over in the United States of America, something had to give at Nissan because of the Juke’s lackluster commercial viability. To this effect, Nissan announced that it would replace the small crossover with the Kicks, and that announcement is now in effect if you take a look at the automaker’s configurator.
Even though it didn't produce enough volume in this part of the world, the Juke continues to sell well in Europe and a few other markets. Earlier this month, the subcompact model reached the one-millionth milestone, making it one of the most popular crossovers of all time. And that’s no small feat considering how polarizing the Juke is in terms of exterior design.
The Kicks might be a replacement for the Juke in the United States, but as far as the nameplate is concerned, the Juke prepares to welcome a second generation on the CMF-B vehicle architecture. The heir-apparent will retain the not-for-everybody exterior styling, with then-global design chief Shiro Nakamura making a case for the outlandish character of the Juke.
Regarding the Kicks, this fellow has been developed primarily for South America and Asia. In addition to the Aquascalientes plant in Mexico, the FWD-only crossover that starts at $17,990 is also produced in Guangzhou, China and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to Nissan, the Kicks is sold in more than 80 countries and territories.
Although similar in size, the Kicks is that more practical thanks to the more conventional styling. The U.S.-spec model makes use of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that relies on natural aspiration and a continuously variable transmission, churning out 125 horsepower and 115 pound-feet (156 Nm).
Back in June 2018, Nissan North America managed to deliver 563 models to U.S. customers. That’s a lot when compared to the 41 examples of the Juke sold in the same period. The lack of all-wheel drive and uninspiring design, however, might not sit well with potential customers in the long run.
The Kicks might be a replacement for the Juke in the United States, but as far as the nameplate is concerned, the Juke prepares to welcome a second generation on the CMF-B vehicle architecture. The heir-apparent will retain the not-for-everybody exterior styling, with then-global design chief Shiro Nakamura making a case for the outlandish character of the Juke.
Regarding the Kicks, this fellow has been developed primarily for South America and Asia. In addition to the Aquascalientes plant in Mexico, the FWD-only crossover that starts at $17,990 is also produced in Guangzhou, China and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to Nissan, the Kicks is sold in more than 80 countries and territories.
Although similar in size, the Kicks is that more practical thanks to the more conventional styling. The U.S.-spec model makes use of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that relies on natural aspiration and a continuously variable transmission, churning out 125 horsepower and 115 pound-feet (156 Nm).
Back in June 2018, Nissan North America managed to deliver 563 models to U.S. customers. That’s a lot when compared to the 41 examples of the Juke sold in the same period. The lack of all-wheel drive and uninspiring design, however, might not sit well with potential customers in the long run.
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