Nissan is getting ready to launch a “new” compact crossover SUV called the Kait in Latin America. Based on the 2016 Nissan Kicks that itself rides on a six-year-old platform, it’s not exactly a new development. It is coming to the market with a 1.6L naturally aspirated powertrain and a CVT, so you can at least expect it to be affordable.
The exterior of the Kait isn’t really any different from that of the Kicks unless you count the new front fascia. It is around 4,300 mm (168 inches) long, 1,760 mm (68.8 in) wide and has 2,620 mm (102.3 in) between the axles. The interior remains to be shown, but we already know that the standard trunk size is 432 liters (15.26 cubic feet).
Looking back at the 2016 Kicks, it could run on petrol and biofuel and delivered up to 127 PS (125 hp / 94 kW) to the front wheels via Nissan’s continuously variable transmission. It’s unknown whether the drivetrain was upgraded or not, but we should be able to learn more at the very end of the year when it begins shipping. Production is already running in Brazil.
In turn, the global Nissan Kicks went into its second generation last year, landing with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine and 141 PS (139 hp / 104 kW). AWD became available, and the interior received a pair of 12.3-inch touchscreens.
