Photo: Nissan
On sale in Brazil since 2016, the Kicks arrived in the United States for the 2018 model year. A subcompact crossover that took the place of the Juke, the Kicks also happens to be the perfect basis for one-off concepts.
This is where the Surf enters the scene, an interesting study made possible by input from surfing champions Alejo and Santiago Muniz. "We imagined it would have to be the perfect ally for the lifestyle and needs of surfers," explains John Sahs, head of the design team.
For starters, changes over the bone-stock Kicks include crossbars on the roof and a rear deck developed for surfing accessories such as wetsuits. Nissan even fitted a portable shower system, and as if that wasn’t enough, a water-resistant wrist band has been programmed to lock and unlock the concept.
Inspired by the surfing scene of South America, “the bright yellow-green accents, together with the blue, gives the Nissan Kicks Surf concept vehicle a dynamic and sporty feel." In hindsight, there’s no denying Sahs was on an extremely limited budget when the higher-ups told him to come up with something special.
One of the best-selling crossovers in Latin America, the Kicks in manufactured in Aguascalientes City, Mexico and Resende in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Over in the U.S. of A., the Kicks starts at $18,540 for the entry-level trim.
Even the S comes with the Xtronic CVT, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth connectivity, RearView Monitor, and Automatic Emergency Braking. Something that not even the SV ($20,250) and SR ($20,870) can claim is all-wheel drive, an option that Hyundai offers in the similarly-sized Kona.
Featuring best-in-class fuel economy, the Kicks comes with the HR16DE naturally aspirated engine as standard (and the only option available). 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque will have to suffice, figures eclipsed by Hyundai with the 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson-cycle engine in the entry-level Kona SE.
On the other hand, the Nissan has the pricing advantage because it features less equipment from the get-go. For the 2019 model year, the Kona SE retails at $19,240 including a retail cash bonus of $750.
For starters, changes over the bone-stock Kicks include crossbars on the roof and a rear deck developed for surfing accessories such as wetsuits. Nissan even fitted a portable shower system, and as if that wasn’t enough, a water-resistant wrist band has been programmed to lock and unlock the concept.
Inspired by the surfing scene of South America, “the bright yellow-green accents, together with the blue, gives the Nissan Kicks Surf concept vehicle a dynamic and sporty feel." In hindsight, there’s no denying Sahs was on an extremely limited budget when the higher-ups told him to come up with something special.
One of the best-selling crossovers in Latin America, the Kicks in manufactured in Aguascalientes City, Mexico and Resende in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Over in the U.S. of A., the Kicks starts at $18,540 for the entry-level trim.
Even the S comes with the Xtronic CVT, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth connectivity, RearView Monitor, and Automatic Emergency Braking. Something that not even the SV ($20,250) and SR ($20,870) can claim is all-wheel drive, an option that Hyundai offers in the similarly-sized Kona.
Featuring best-in-class fuel economy, the Kicks comes with the HR16DE naturally aspirated engine as standard (and the only option available). 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque will have to suffice, figures eclipsed by Hyundai with the 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson-cycle engine in the entry-level Kona SE.
On the other hand, the Nissan has the pricing advantage because it features less equipment from the get-go. For the 2019 model year, the Kona SE retails at $19,240 including a retail cash bonus of $750.
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