What transmission does the Nissan Kicks use?
2 Answers
The transmission brand used in the Nissan Kicks is JATCO. JATCO, a subsidiary of Nissan Motor, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of automatic transmissions. Its main products include stepped automatic transmissions (AT) and continuously variable transmissions (CVT). The company operates in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, serving customers in over 30 countries worldwide. The Nissan Kicks is equipped with the new X-TRONIC CVT intelligent continuously variable transmission. CVT, which stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, is what we commonly refer to as a stepless transmission. It does not have fixed gear ratios; instead, the shifting process involves a linear increase or decrease within the maximum transmission ratio range. Its standout features include smooth shifting, more flexible gear settings, and better fuel efficiency, which is why more and more manufacturers are adopting it. When using the Nissan Kicks' transmission in daily driving, pay attention to the following points: Do not neglect transmission fluid changes for extended periods. Although many models now use maintenance-free transmission fluid, "maintenance-free" does not mean it never needs replacing. Prolonged failure to change the transmission fluid can lead to damage to internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid coasting in neutral for long durations. While many experienced drivers might coast in neutral when driving manual transmission vehicles, doing so in an automatic transmission can cause overheating. Additionally, shifting back into Drive (D) from neutral can create a noticeable jolt. Never shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Some drivers, in an attempt to demonstrate smooth operation, shift into reverse while the car is still moving, which can severely damage the transmission gears and eventually lead to gear grinding or other failures. Avoid frequently climbing steep slopes in Drive (D). When tackling steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles may overheat due to high load or upshift prematurely, resulting in insufficient power. In such cases, use manual mode to lock in a lower gear or switch to sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If the automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, use a flatbed tow truck to transport it while the vehicle is in Neutral (N). Avoid using tow ropes or dragging the vehicle directly, as this can damage the transmission.
I've been driving the Kicks for almost two years now, and its CVT transmission provides a great driving experience. On city roads, there's absolutely no jerking during gear shifts, and acceleration is smooth—it feels like gliding. The biggest advantage of this transmission is fuel efficiency; my average fuel consumption stays around 7L, and it’s even lower on weekend long-distance trips. Maintenance hasn’t been a major issue, but it’s important to regularly check the CVT fluid—I change it every 40,000 km to avoid overheating and slipping. Overall, it’s a very comfortable ride, perfect for young people’s daily commutes, and it won’t disappoint.
