NISSAN CANADA - In May, Nissan announced its global transformation plan called Nissan NEXT. As part of the extensive business, cultural and product plan, the company promised 10 new vehicle reveals in 20 months – with six new vehicles in Canadian showrooms by the end of 2021.
Nissan took a big step forward toward delivering that goal with the preview today of the 2021 Armada full-size SUV and 2021 Kicks compact crossover. As a result, a full 80 per cent of Nissan's SUV/crossover lineup will be new or renewed in calendar year 2021.
"With Nissan NEXT, we are recreating Nissan, transforming our business and products to be the best we can be for our customers," said Adam Paterson, director of marketing, Nissan Canada Inc. "The new Armada and Kicks have the style, safety, performance and features that are sure to thrill even customers with the highest expectations."
The new 2021 Armada goes on sale in January, followed by the Kicks in February.
The 2021 Nissan Armada
The new Armada is highlighted by a rugged new exterior design and new premium interior, offering a combination of strength and luxury. A long list of safety features allows peace of mind for the adventurous family, while standard technology features such as a new, largest screen in class 12.3-inch colour touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wi-Fi hotspot keep the family connected to the outside world. The 2021 Armada also offers best-in-class standard 400 horsepower and best-in-class standard 8,500 lbs. maximum towing capacity.
The 2021 Armada features a redesigned exterior that is more squared and chiseled than the previous design. Major styling enhancements include a new grille, hood, front fenders, front and rear bumpers, new LED headlights and taillights and one new exterior colour. It is also the first vehicle to carry the new Nissan logo/badge, found on the Armada front, back, wheels and steering wheel.
Inside, the comfortable, contemporary redesigned interior offers simplified everyday usage and an enhanced experience for driver and passengers. Among the long list of enhancements are a simplified, redesigned center stack anchored by a new standard 12.3-inch colour display with multi-touch control, standard wireless smartphone charging, standard Wi-Fi hotspot and standard wireless Apple CarPlay®.
Every 2021 Armada comes with a 5.6-litre Endurance® V8 with best-in-class standard 400 horsepower, a refined 7-speed automatic transmission, front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension with rear levelizer, large 4-wheel vented disc brakes and standard All-Mode® 4WD system. For 2021, Armada adds a standard Trailer Brake Controller with tow hitch receiver; Trailer Sway Control is also standard.
The 2021 Armada is available in a choice of two grade levels – SL and Platinum – and in a 4x4 drive configuration.
The 2021 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks compact crossover has already established a reputation worldwide for offering an impressive array of class-leading features at an attractive MSRP. For 2021, Kicks ups its desirability factor with enhanced exterior and interior styling.
Kicks' energetic styling and youthful design now features a new Double V-motion front grille, bumper, LED headlights and LED fog lights, along with new rear bumper, LED taillights, and new wheel designs. There's three new, vibrant exterior colours (seven total) and three new two-tone paint schemes (five total) available, allowing for even more personalization. Through use of colours and an array of available accessories, making it is one of the most customizable, personalized vehicles in the segment and in the entire Nissan lineup.
Inside, the 2021 Kicks offers a smart and stylish interior with a new, available customizable 8-inch touchscreen display, additional USB ports, new seat materials and more premium finishers – along with available new center console with armrest, heated seats and steering wheel and more. Kicks again has music lovers covered with the available Bose® Personal Plus audio system. Also offered is the available, Intelligent Around View® Monitor.
Technology on the 2021 Kicks has been upgraded with new, available Intelligent Cruise Control, which helps reduce driver fatigue and stress. Nissan Safety Shield® 360 is again standard on all grade levels.
Every 2021 Kicks comes with a standard 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine rated at 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft. of torque. Combined with a smooth, fuel-efficient Xtronic transmission, fuel economy is rated at 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined (EPA). Canadian fuel economy ratings will be provided at a later date. The elevated driving experience for the sporty Kicks includes new rear disc braking system and an electronic parking brake with Auto Brake Hold for SV and SR grades.
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is offered in three well-equipped front-wheel drive models – Kicks S, Kicks SV and Kicks SR.
"We are rediscovering the best of our heritage and product DNA – and applying it in innovative ways toward a reinvented future product lineup," added Paterson. "It's a bold product transformation that is well underway."