Will the Nissan Kicks replace the Juke in the Philippines?

Nissan Philippines back in 2019 stated that it had plans to bring in new and exciting models into the country. Two candidates for these new and upcoming models have emerged, the Kicks, and the all-new 2020 Juke. For the longest time, the Nissan Juke has been the Japanese company’s only subcompact crossover in the local automotive market. That, however, is set to change with the possible introduction of the Nissan Kicks into the local lineup. It is important to note that both vehicles have never been sold in the same market at the same time. It has always been one or the other.

If Nissan wants to introduce the Kicks to the Philippine market the Juke will have to go. In terms of dimensions, the Kicks is bigger than the current generation Juke that is being sold here. It measures 259mm longer, 48mm wider, and 81mm taller than its subcompact crossover brother. It's also the newer product and as such comes with newer technology. What the Juke has over its same brand rival is that it recently has gotten an all-new model for the 2020 year. While the Juke does have tenure and popularity in the Philippine market, Nissan still has the final say.

In 2019 the Nissan Kicks was also spotted roaming the streets of Thailand. If this indicates anything then the Japanese company might be considering bringing in the Kicks for the ASEAN market. If Thailand does get the Kicks it could mean that the Philippines has a high probability of getting the crossover as well. It is important to note that the Kicks is positioned below the Juke and as such could entice more buyers with a more affordable price point. 

With the onset of COVID-19 bringing the car industry to an abrupt halt, only time will tell what Nissan has planned for the subcompact crossover segment in the Philippines. No matter which vehicle the Japanese brand chooses, 2020 is going to be an interesting year for the brand as it also plans to bring in the LEAF.