The model will go on sale in Brazil in August followed by other Latin American markets in the coming year – in total will be launched in more than 80 countries.

The all-new model is targeted at urban drivers and will initially be produced at Nissan’s plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico, with full production to start within FY16 at the Nissan facility in Resende, Rio de Janeiro.

Kicks brings family Nissan design cues, such as the V-motion grille, boomerang head and taillights, and the floating roof with a “wrap-around visor” look to the windscreen and side glass.

The interior is said to bring best-in-class passenger space in the rear as well as one of the largest load areas in its class. Design features include Nissan’s ‘Gliding Wing’ dashboard design with a centrally mounted seven-inch full colour display plus a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Other technologies include Around View Monitor and Moving Object Detection, which use four on-board cameras to present a view of the car and to warn the driver of any unseen hazards – a forerunner to Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility concept.

“With Kicks, we have developed a compact crossover in the best Nissan tradition, and thanks to the unmatched experience, we have in creating vehicles to meet the needs of car-buyers around the world,” said Keno Kato, corporate vice president, Product Planning, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “Kicks will offer best-in-class design, convenience and technological innovation. And, it will demonstrate Nissan’s commitment to Nissan Intelligent Mobility. Kicks is a car to confidently take on the city.”

Full details of Kicks prices, specifications and equipment will be released closer to its on-sale date.