So my local Nissan dealer has a Kicks on the lot and I was doing some digging on prices and specs just out of curiousity.

HR16DE
125hp @5800
115lb-ft @4000
9.8:1 (allegedly)
CVT Only

I haven't been able to find any proper specs on internals or a verified compression ratio.

It would be nice if it was in the valvetrain where they got the extra power but I'm willing to bet it's the CVT only and a very specific tuning. Probably a better intake and exhaust setup as well.

Actually it appears to have a much beefier stock intake and the throttle body is definitely different:
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Also, it doesn't really make sense to me where the Kicks is even supposed to fit in to their lineup..
The thing that makes the most sense is maybe the North American K14 Micra that we'll never get?
It has all of the same features, interior quality and smart tech as the K14 but CVT only as opposed to only manual...