If you’re in the market to purchase a compact SUV and thought that all you have to do is choose between the Kia Seltos or the Hyundai Creta, then things just got a bit more confusing for you. What you see here is the upgraded Nissan Kicks. Not only does it comply with the stricter BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) emission norms now but also brings in a brand-new engine. That alone is enough for it to justify its name! More on that in a bit. First, the price list:

Prices mentioned above are introductory. Another noteworthy aspect is that there’s no diesel engine on offer any more. The range starts with the 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 105bhp/142Nm and also does duty in the BS6-compliant Renault Duster. The only transmission option available with this engine is a 5-speed manual. If you don’t fancy it, why not opt for the new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine! It pumps out 154bhp/254Nm, which is more than any rival in the segment. For transmission, you could either have a 6-speed manual or an 8-step CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

As standard, the upgraded Nissan Kicks comes with automatic climate control with rear AC vents, cooled glovebox, electrically-adjustable ORVMs, dual airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD and BA, Shark-fin antenna and Nissan Connect with smartwatch support. Higher up the trim tree, you will get additional gizmos such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, traction control, 360-degree camera, hill start assist, cruise control, idle stop-start system and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Still not impressed? Here’s the real eye-opener. The Nissan Kicks with the turbo-petrol engine is significantly less expensive than any of its competitors. Prices for the Kia Seltos with the turbo-petrol power-plant range from Rs 13.79 lakh to Rs 17.29 lakh, whereas those for the Hyundai Creta fall between Rs 16.16 lakh and Rs 17.2 lakh. And here’s another fun fact: the turbocharged Nissan Kicks is more potent than the MG Hector petrol as well.