Nissan adding new gateway crossover with Kicks

LOS ANGELES -- Nissan Motor Co., looking to further capitalize on America's love for light trucks, is once again expanding its crossover lineup, this time with a new gateway.The 2018 Kicks, a Versa-sized subcompact, extends Nissan's crossover lineup that previously started with the subcompact Juke, which features a lower, hatchback like profile compared with the Kicks.With the Kicks, Nissan will join Fiat -- 500X and 500L -- with two entries in the burgeoning subcompact crossover segment.The Juke was never intended to appeal to the lower-end U.S. mass market, but the Kicks, unveiled here Wednesday, will, Nissan officials say.Nissan sees the Kicks as another gateway to its existing crossover lineup, which includes the Rogue Sport added for the 2017 model year.The Kicks is designed for the needs of younger singles or couples, Nissan says."This emerging CUV class is exploding with new entries for a very good reason -- the combination of flexible utility and high value is ideal for active, urban new vehicle buyers," Dan Mohnke, Nissan's senior vice president of U.S. sales, marketing and operations, said in a statement.U.S. sales of subcompact crossovers have jumped 17 percent this year, with every leading brand except Ford, Hyundai and VW participating -- though Ford and Hyundai are readying entries. Nissan's one-two compact crossover punch with the Rogue and Rogue Sport, which are reported together for sales, has been a hit for the automaker.

Nissan adding new gateway crossover with Kicks

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