Nissan has introduced the latest Kicks small crossover SUV in right-hand-drive guise in Japan, opening the door for a potential launch in Australia as an affordable model positioned under the Qashqai.

The second-generation Kicks, already built in left-hand-drive form in Mexico for North American buyers, incorporates Nissan's current styling language and its latest e-Power hybrid setup, a technology already available locally in the Qashqai.

Smaller and more affordable than the Qashqai, the Kicks competes with models such as the Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Venue and the established Mazda CX-3. It rides on a variant of the CMF-B platform shared with the recently discontinued Juke in Australia.

Although the first-generation Kicks skipped Australia, Nissan Australia is now reviewing the new version as part of efforts to refresh its range and reverse falling sales figures.

The brand recorded a 15.2 per cent sales drop in Japan during 2025 and a steeper 21.6 per cent decline locally, with nearly every model affected except the now-discontinued Pathfinder.

Richard Cander, Nissan corporate executive for family, product and component strategy, told CarExpert earlier this year that the company is reshaping its Australian portfolio and confirmed the Kicks is under consideration.

Other models being evaluated include the NX8 SUV offered in electric and extended-range variants, plus the N7 electric sedan, both built in China through the Dongfeng Nissan partnership.

Nissan has already approved the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute for local sale and is also examining a potential SUV derivative, while the Terrano PHEV concept has been flagged as a priority by Nissan Oceania managing director Steve Milette.

The company has not ruled out bringing the latest Juke to Australia, another model that would sit below the Qashqai.

Should the Kicks reach Australia, pricing is expected to start below the Qashqai ST-L, currently listed from $45,640 before on-road costs.

In Japan the new model opens at ¥2,999,700, equivalent to around $A26,544. It measures 4366mm long, 1801mm wide and 1626mm high, making it larger in every dimension than the outgoing version.

The 2655mm wheelbase is only 10mm shorter than the Australian Qashqai's 2665mm figure, though the Qashqai is longer overall at 4425mm.

Front-end design draws inspiration from an American football helmet, while higher grades add polygon-pattern accents on the lower bumper and flanks plus a full-width rear light bar.

Every Kicks variant employs the third-generation e-Power hybrid drivetrain, using a 72kW 1.4-litre three-cylinder petrol engine solely to generate electricity for a 105kW electric motor that powers the wheels.

Front-wheel drive comes as standard, yet all grades can be specified with all-wheel drive for an extra ¥349,800, which adds a 50kW rear motor, roughly 160kg of weight and a Snow drive mode.

Claimed fuel consumption starts at 3.9L/100km for the base front-wheel-drive Kicks X. The all-wheel-drive equivalent is rated at 5.0L/100km, with 17-inch alloys fitted as standard and 19-inch wheels available on upper grades.

The roomier cabin features Nissan's zero-gravity seats intended to reduce fatigue, together with synthetic leather trim on the seats, door panels, dashboard top and centre console.

Standard equipment includes NissanConnect connected services, while higher grades gain dual 12.3-inch screens for the instruments and infotainment, plus an Intelligent Around View Monitor and built-in Google functions.

The top G grade adds wireless phone charging, a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, electrically adjustable driver's seat and a 10-speaker Bose sound system.

Safety equipment encompasses an upgraded autonomous emergency braking system, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot intervention.

The original Kicks entered production in 2016 and received an e-Power hybrid option in selected markets from 2020. While the Juke served as Nissan's entry-level SUV in Europe and Australia, the Kicks fulfilled that role in most other regions.

Second-generation production began in Mexico in 2024, with Japanese output following later, similar to the timing seen with the larger X-Trail and Rogue.