Nissan Motorsports & Customizing has confirmed a rugged ROCK CREEK version of the Kicks for the Japanese market. The compact SUV gains a blacked-out exterior, Lava Red accents and water-repellent seat material, and it goes on sale nationwide through Nissan dealers on 23 December. It follows the X-Trail ROCK CREEK as the second model in the outdoor-themed range.

Nissan’s in-house customising arm has confirmed a second entry in its outdoor-flavoured ROCK CREEK family. Nissan Motorsports & Customizing Co., Ltd. (NMC) says the Kicks ROCK CREEK, built on the standard Nissan Kicks, will reach Nissan dealers across Japan on 23 December.

An outdoor look for the Kicks

The conversion is a styling and equipment package rather than a mechanical one. NMC describes the exterior as predominantly black, with a ROCK CREEK-specific front grille carrying three silver slots, a gloss-black front bumper and a front under protector finished with Lava Red accents that the company says are inspired by molten lava.

The detailing continues around the car with a Dark Metal Gray rear bumper, matte-black side sill finishers, black door handles and black roof rails. Brand logo emblems in black and Lava Red sit front and rear, with ROCK CREEK badges on the sides and tailgate. Exclusive 17-inch aluminium wheels complete the look, again with Lava Red accents and a rock-mark embossed detail.

Cabin built around water-repellent seats

Inside, the same dark theme applies. The headline item is water-repellent seat material, which NMC positions as suited to a wide range of activities including outdoor use — a practical answer for owners who load wet or muddy kit into a compact SUV.

Lava Red accents run through the seats, door trim, instrument panel and steering wheel. NMC also lists carbon-look finishers on the instrument panel and front door armrests, synthetic leather front door trims, a Tailor Fit-wrapped steering wheel and Lava Red highlights on the front centre console and armrest.

Drivetrains and Utility Spec grades

Buyers can choose between two-wheel drive and 4WD with Nissan’s e-4ORCE system. Above the standard cars sit Utility Spec grades, which add the NissanConnect Infotainment System [Simple], a power driver’s seat with slide, recline and lifter adjustment, a remote-controlled automatic tailgate and black roof rails.

Driver assistance on those grades includes the Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and 3D View, the Intelligent Rear View Mirror, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention and Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a front-and-rear drive recorder set. A cold-weather specification is also listed, bundling the Hot Plus Package, Clear View Package and high-concentration antifreeze.

What it means

Adventure-styled trims have become a low-cost way for manufacturers to widen the appeal of existing crossovers, and Nissan is following the pattern it established with the X-Trail ROCK CREEK, which the company says was well received. Extending the treatment to the smaller Kicks puts the look within reach of a cheaper segment of the Japanese market.

NMC has not published power, torque, performance, fuel economy or pricing figures for the Kicks ROCK CREEK in this announcement, and the model is confirmed for Japan only. Sales start on 23 December through Nissan dealers nationwide.

Facts: Nissan Kicks ROCK CREEK

  • Base model: Nissan Kicks
  • Drivetrains: 2WD or 4WD (e-4ORCE)
  • Wheels: exclusive 17-inch aluminium alloys
  • Interior: water-repellent seat material, Lava Red accents
  • Grades: standard and Utility Spec
  • Market: Japan
  • On sale: 23 December, via Nissan dealers nationwide
  • Price: not stated by NMC

Source: global.nissannews.com