One of Nissan's newest additions, the Kicks subcompact crossover, was designed to bring customers to a crossover at a lower price point. But since going on sale in June, Nissan has noticed a trend: Kicks customers are asking for its most expensive trim levels.
"You'd expect a vehicle that starts at $17,990 to sell in that value range, up to the midrange," said Billy Hayes, division vice president for Nissan regional operations in North America, referring to the 2018 model year pricing.
In reality, the Kicks in SV and SR trims is selling quicker than the base S trim, Hayes said.
The automaker's explanation? The model's paint and speakers.
Nissan made two-tone paint an option on SV and SR trims, and also offers a premium package at the top trim called SR Premium. The package is highlighted by a Bose sound system made up of a pair of speakers inserted in the driver's seat headrest, which adds $1,000 more.
"It's flying off the showroom floors," Dan Mohnke, Nissan Group's senior vice president for U.S. sales and marketing and operations, told Automotive News on the sidelines of the Los Angeles Auto Show last month. "It's the fastest-turning trim that we have for that vehicle."