This week we were sporting the Nissan Kicks, and as its name suggests this was a fun little go-getter.
It is exciting on the outside with its sporty appearance, especially in this bluish-grey paint job paired with the stylish cutouts of the lights. Every dip and angle sharp and sleek. Although, within it looks a little less exciting. Basic by modern standards.
I would consider this a casual car, great as a starter vehicle for anyone learning or your first “real” purchase at an affordable price range. It has everything you need, minus most of the electronic bells and whistles that you can do without.
Take for example seat adjusting. Everything is done manually, you raise and lower the seat with a pump down or a pull up, and you drag the handle underneath the seat to push it forward and/or backwards. Similarly the lever under the wheel helps you bring it to the height you need. Although motorized options are a nice to have, and I do enjoy the ability to micro-adjust, I was able to perfectly drive the Nissan Kicks as is with no issue.
What was quick to become an annoyance with the seat itself. Set at a concave, with no option for lumbar, I found my lower back aching after a drive over an hour long. I just couldn’t get comfortable in it. So despite great fuel economy and it being just over $50 to fill the whole tank, I would caution driving to just your daily commute,,30 minutes to 1 hour in the city.
Although there are some conveniences to make your daily driving in the 2023 Nissan Kicks easier and more enjoyable. A push button start and the accessibility of both C-cable and USB cable ports available to connect your phone into; to charge and use apple CarPlay with.
And the infotainment provides a 360 look around the car, as well as reverse a view. With all the beeps and sirens to match if anything comes within the Kick’s personal space.
Best of all is the built-in Bose speakers on either ends of the driver’s seat head rest. It is like having headphones in the car, without having to wear them. Although, for my preference I would have liked them larger and louder for a more stadium-quality music experience.
On a minor note, given that it was summer, I would have liked a sunroof and the ability to open it. But alas it did keep cool with a covered roof.
As for the way it drives, it is fast with a stable suspension to match. Easy handling that is responsive. The engine sounds big and comes alive with a load roar, despite its compact size.
In closing the 2023 Nissan Kicks is a good mid-compact car option for basic driving. Seat aside not a bad ride.
https://www.nissan.ca
