Nissan has announced the Middle East debut of the 2021 Kicks, which has styling and technological updates to fit the needs of the region's rising urban population.

The 2021 Kicks puts a premium on connectivity, innovation, and customization, allowing drivers to express their individuality while cutting through the city with precision handling and innovative driver assist technologies.

Since its introduction to the region in 2017 as the entry model to Nissan's lineup of crossovers and SUVs, Kicks has attracted young drivers to the brand. It established a reputation for offering an array of class-leading features with attractive value – even securing 11% year-on-year market share increase in the SUV-B segment during fiscal year 2020 (April 2020 – March 2021), a statement from the automotive group said.

Nissan Middle East Managing Director Thierry Sabbagh said: “The Kicks has always had a finger on the pulse of the young urban commuter, combining style and technology and infusing it with the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology – making this a formidable model within the SUV-B segment.”

“The popularity of Kicks is reflective of the increasing customer demand for crossover SUVs, as they seek space and versatility akin to SUVs, with the size and practicality of a sedan. These expectations, coupled with growing desire amongst younger drivers to always stay connected, have helped us create a refreshed 2021 model,” he continued.

With the incorporation of Nissan's Double V-motion grille, redesigned front and back bumpers, and a variety of colours, including new two-tone combinations, the outside of the 2021 model receives an aesthetic makeover.

The interior features a new centre console, new seating and trim materials, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and Bose headrest speakers.

The outside of the 2021 model receives an aesthetic overhaul with the addition of Nissan's Double V-motion grille, reworked front and rear bumpers, and a variety of colours, including new two-tone combinations.

The redesigned 2021 Kicks is available in three trims – S, SV and SL.The features include a bumper that blends with the 'Double V- motion' grille, LED headlights offer a high-tech, modern and premium effect, which is enhanced on the SL grade's super-thin LED multi-reflector design while SV and SL grades include standard LED fog lights.

The rear end begins with a new bumper and back door finisher and LED combination light that stretches from side to side, adding a horizontal line that emphasizes its wide rear structure.

Standard exterior features include Intelligent Auto Headlights with adjustable sensitivity and timing, along with rear wiper and roof rails, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and rear roof spoiler.

Electric Blue Metallic, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (premium colour), and Boulder Gray Pearl are the three new colours available for the Nissan Kicks 2021. Gun Metallic, Super Black, Aspen White TriCoat (premium), Power White, and Brilliant Silver are also available.

Five two-tone paint combinations are also available, including three new options – Super Black Roof/Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Super Black Roof/Electric Blue Metallic and Super Black Roof/Boulder Gray Pearl. Also offered are Super Black/Aspen White TriCoat and Super Black/Monarch Orange Metallic.

The interior offers a sporting flavour – provided by a D-shaped steering wheel, comfortable 6-way driver's seat, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat and 60/40-split fold-down rear seat.

Standard on all models of Kicks is Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

All 2021 models come with a standard 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System, which is rated at 118 horsepower and 155 Newton Meters of torque, and is paired with Xtronic transmission powering the front wheels.

There's a standard Traction Control System, Vehicle Dynamic Control and Hill Start Assist, front disc/rear drum Anti-lock Braking System (S grade) and electric power steering. The SV and SL grades add new rear disc brakes.

An electronic parking brake with auto hold is now standard on the SL grade for 2021. An Integrated Dynamic-Control Module with Active Engine Brake, Intelligent Trace Control, and Intelligent Ride Control is also included in the vehicle.

Nimble handling is provided by a front independent strut, stabilizer bar suspension matched with rear suspension featuring twist beam and twin-tube shock absorbers. The S grade comes with 16-inch alloy wheels mounted with 205/60R16 all-season tyres, while SV and SL grades are equipped with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/55R17 all-season tyres.

There are a total of 10 airbags, while Intelligent Driver Alertness and Rear Door Alert are standard on SL grades