The Sleuth applauds the automaker for its entry into the small-and-tall-wagon market. If you weren’t already aware, this category is quickly growing with relatively affordable products such as the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3 and the upcoming Ford EcoSport. The new Nissan model, called the Kicks, will differ in a significant way from much of the rest of the group by not offering an all-wheel-drive variant. The only other vehicle following the same path is the new-for-2017 Toyota C-HR. Although the lack of an AWD option might not be concerning for prospective buyers dwelling in sunbelt states, it matters a great deal to the rest of the country where many drivers consider all-wheel-drive to be a necessity. Weirdly, the C-HR can be ordered in most other countries with all-wheel-drive.
The Nissan Kicks is not available with all-wheel-drive, just like the Toyota C-HR. It’s front drive only. (PHOTO: NISSAN)
