[eta]

Here are few neat features I have discovered after driving the Kicks SR for awhile. It is quite amazing the amount of features and thoughtfulness put into for such an inexpensive car.


- If you have the wipers on and you put the Kicks in reverse, the rear wiper automatically turns on.
- Intermittent wipers are speed sensitive.
- Brightness of gauges, infotainment screen can be independently adjusted. They are independent of the headlight setting. Ambient light sensors in the cabin will adjust the brightness.
- Auto headlights with sensitivity adjustment and adjustable shutdown time after engine off.
- Stomp on the gas peddle, the CVT will fake shift like a regular auto tranny. Step lightly on the gas peddle, you get smooth CVT.
- Driving down hill, the transmission will auto engine brake.
- Bose headrest surround speakers focus sound to appear in front of the driver, like home HiFi system. Most high end car audio just get louder and cleaner, but doesn't make the sound appear to come from the front.


Please share any you have discovered.

 

[eta]

- Press the hatch lift handle twice to unlatch and open the hatch only.
- Little button next to hatch lift handle function like the door latch button. You lock and unlock all door from the hatch. How convenient is that.

 

[eta]

Digital gauge can be set to metric or imperial. Nice to have when traveling between US and Canada. Main analog gauge can display one type of speed and the digital gauge can display the other.

The Kicks is quite a pleasant highway cruiser, been on the highway for 6 hours this week. Two 3 hour runs. Highway noise is relatively low, and I have the awesome premium Bose sound system to pass the time.

The armrest is perfectly positioned for resting your elbow with the hand at the 3 o'clock on the wheel. The steer is just responsive and light enough to just steer with your wrist at this hand and arm position. Very effortless.
The center console is padded for resting your knee with cruise control set.


Best cruising speed seem to be around 65 to 70mph with the engine at around 2000rpm. At this point, engine is the smoothest and fuel efficient.

 

[Justforkicks]

Really appreciate all these insights eta. The amount of tech that Nissan has managed to package together at such an affordable price is outstanding. How are you finding those Bose headrests, because I have heard some complaints about their ergonomics.

 

[eta]

Really appreciate all these insights eta. The amount of tech that Nissan has managed to package together at such an affordable price is outstanding. How are you finding those Bose headrests, because I have heard some complaints about their ergonomics.

Thanks Justforkicks. I find the Bose headrests softer the cradle the head a bit more then the stock headrest, like the one on the passenger side. I have no comfort issues. Also you have to remember, the headrest's main purpose is to prevent whiplash during a collision. You should set it so it will have a direct contact at the back of the head; it will not be supportive of other areas of the head or neck. No comfy pillows happening here. :grin Maybe an aftermarket cushion can be added to help your comfort.

 

[Izzy]

I got the rubber floor mats and if they creep up a bit, the steering column appears to be rubbing on it, especially when I'm going in reverse. It makes a slight thumping sound and I can also feel it at my feet.

Anyone else?

 

[Izzy]

The ridge over the stereo acts as a perfect cell phone holder if you turn your phone horizontally.

I love this unintended feature.