After a long seven-year run, Nissan has renewed the compact Kicks name is a bigger, more expensive format. With available all-wheel drive, the Kicks also replaces the now-discontinued Qashqai. Interestingly, the previous Kicks will return as the Kicks Play. Compared to the original Kicks, the new model is 57 mm longer.

The styling reflects a new design vocabulary from Nissan. The so-called “V-Motion” grille, long a Nissan design flourish, has been replaced by a very tall, horizontal grille flanked by the type of multi-segment lighting first seen on the current Hyundai Tucson. The flanks are clean and a new look for Nissan. The rear styling is clean but the tailgate window looks small. The driver faces a now ubiquitous wide computer tablet, with vehicle information facing the driver and infotainment over the dash centre stack. The dash itself is nicely shaped, as is the rest of the cabin. With large cupholders in the centre console and large door bins, cabin oddments storage is good. The previous Kicks made a good use of interior space; with a 37 mm longer wheelbase, the new model promises to be roomy for its size. Cargo capacity is said to have been increased, and looks deep below the window line.

Engine size increases from 1.6L to 2L, with horsepower now 141, up from 122. The sole transmission on offer is a CVT. The previous beam rear axle has been replaced by a multi-link setup.

Nissan has been progressive regarding active safety equipment. No details are available at this time, but autonomous emergency braking and active cruise control are expected to be standard. Blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors will likely be optional.

Although it has grown, the Kicks remains one of only a few small vehicles still offered in the Canadian market, and Nissan should be lauded for continuing to offer very affordable entry-level models. It’s unfortunate that the durability of many Nissan models has been subpar. The second-generation Kicks should be available by late 2024.