It all sounds quite straightforward,
then, but there are one or two
technical novelties, despite it being
designed for markets perceived to
be less sophisticated than Europe’s.
The most notable is called Active
Ride Control, which tries to do the
same thing as adaptive dampers,
only without the adaptive dampers.
Instead, it applies individual brakes
(most likely the rears, if I’ve got my
head around it) to prevent body
pitch off the back of large bumps and
crests, allowing softer spring rates
while retaining body control.
Inside, the Kicks is pleasant.
Almost remarkably so, in fact. It’s
a straightforward cabin layout, so
there isn’t quite the same amount of