by Key facts about the new Nissan Kait
Presentation and market plans
Nissan’s SUV lineup will soon be expanded with a new model. The manufacturer confirmed during the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo that it will build the new model at its plant in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, known as the Kait. This model will be primarily targeted at Latin America but will also be sold in several other global markets.
Exterior and investments
One teaser image of the new model has been released. It shows the rear doors of the Kait and gives an idea of the LED tail lights. Nissan notes that this is the second model announced as part of a $540 million investment in Brazil, and it will be sold alongside other models in Latin America, such as the Magnate, Kicks, X-Trail, and Pathfinder.
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Similarity to previous models
Interestingly, although the rear of the Kait looks unique, reports indicate that it might not be a completely new model after all.
It is suggested that the Kait will simply be an updated version of the first-generation Kicks, which has been around since 2016 and was recently renamed Kicks Play to make room for the second-generation Kicks in Nissan’s lineup. In some markets, such as Brazil, the Japanese brand sells both the all-new Kicks and the old Kicks Play, and it appears that the Kait will serve as an updated version of the latter.
Technical specifications
If this is indeed the case, the Kait will also share the same platform as the Kicks Play and will likely have very similar dimensions, including the same 103-inch (2,620 mm) wheelbase. The Kait will probably retain the same engine options as the Kicks Play.
This means it should be offered with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, designed to run on gasoline or ethanol, which is widely used in Brazil. Paired with this engine is a continuously variable transmission that drives the front wheels.
Market launch prospects
Nissan has not announced when the Kait will be unveiled. However, it has been confirmed that it will be exported from Brazil to over 20 countries.
This strategy allows Nissan to efficiently utilize existing platforms, reducing development costs and offering a product tailored to regional markets. Similar approaches are becoming increasingly common in the automotive industry, especially in emerging markets where affordability often determines a model’s success.
