Is the Nissan Kicks a good choice to replace my 2021 Qashqai?

Looking to lease a Kicks 2025, my Nissan dealer is offering to take over the lease of my Qashqai 2021 next month when it ends in five months, without penalty. As the Kicks' reputation to date has been spotty, I'm skeptical. What do you think?

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Hello Claudine,

I'm not worried about the Kicks' mechanical reliability, given that it will use the Qashqai's powertrain. A slightly reworked, tried-and-tested 2.0-liter engine that has shown no major weaknesses. It's worth noting that the new Kicks is a change of category, filling the Qashqai's absence from the Nissan range since last year. It offers more space than your Qashqai, since it has been developed specifically for the North American market. In fact, a new-generation Qashqai is available for the European market. It would have been too costly to import here, given that it is assembled in England.

Now, before you sign the contract, make sure the dealer is transparent with the figures. Because it's easy in this context to transfer some of the debt from your Qashqai to the Nissan Kicks 2025, without you even seeing it. So you need to know the real cost of the vehicle and have the financing or leasing figures illustrated to you transparently, regardless of the handover of your Qashqai.

Prices for the Kicks 2025 will be announced shortly. Although higher than those of the current Kicks, they are likely to be highly competitive. However, you'll need to be aware of financing/lease rates, which can sometimes be excessive with this manufacturer. In other words, although you may be offered a bargain, make sure you have all the right figures in hand. You should also know that a Qashqai can easily be resold on the used market, and that depending on the mileage and condition of your vehicle, its value could be at least $5,000 higher than the amount currently owed. That's why the dealer can "gift" you such an offer...