Nissan’s world debut at the Sao Paulo Auto Show in Brazil is the Kicks Concept, a study that is likely to preview a production model for the local market.

Designed under the leadership of Nissan’s Global Design Center in Japan, the compact urban crossover has received input from two teams – Nissan Design America (NDA) in San Diego, US, and Nissan Design America Rio (NDA-R), the satellite design studio recently opened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Nissan designers see the Kicks Concept as a more mature version of the Extrem Concept revealed two years ago in Sao Paulo.

“It’s fun to drive, but at the same time, a serious vehicle. It is designed to have the appearance of a striking premium car that captivates the look and to be a vehicle whose owners would be proud to own and drive,” explains Shiro Nakamura, vice president of Nissan’s global design department.

Nissan Kicks Concept is 4,300mm (169.3in) long, 1,800mm (70.8in) wide and 1,600mm (63in) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,620mm (103.1in). That means it’s 175mm (6.9in) longer than the Juke, and has a 90mm (3.5in) longer wheelbase, while width and height are approximately the same. Nissan says the study’s name is a reference to its “tough guy” behavior, with the crossover combining agility, an athletic stance and attitude. The name also reflects the concept’s young and energetic personality.

While Nissan executives say the study reflects the particularities of the Brazilian market, they admit a Kicks-based production model could be suitable for other markets as well.

PHOTO GALLERY

VIDEOS