Why doesn't the Kicks have an underbody guard?
2 Answers
The Kicks' chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension structure. Considering factors such as cost and durability, the suspension materials mainly consist of cast iron and stamped steel, which is why the Kicks does not have an underbody guard. Below is some related information about the Kicks: Exterior: The front face of the Kicks features Nissan's family V-shaped design, with a hexagonal mesh pattern inside the grille. On the sides, the Kicks uses a floating roof design. Interior: The interior design of the Kicks is relatively simple, with a large-sized LCD display screen in the center. Additionally, the car comes with a personalized dashboard.
To be honest, from the perspective of automotive design research, the Kicks lacks underbody protection primarily due to cost control and market positioning considerations. Nissan positions the Kicks as an urban commuter SUV targeting budget-conscious consumers. Omitting factory-installed underbody panels helps reduce the selling price—saving on material costs and installation labor could lower the car price by around 1,000 to 2,000 RMB. Additionally, reducing vehicle weight slightly improves fuel efficiency, and driving on urban paved roads poses minimal risk of stone impacts. However, if you frequently drive in suburban areas or poor road conditions, I recommend installing an aftermarket underbody guard to prevent oil leaks or rust—many owners do this. Ultimately, this design reflects the manufacturer's balance between safety and affordability, with the Kicks adopting similar strategies as comparable models like the Honda HR-V to maintain competitiveness.
