The specifications for the Nissan Kicks e-Power, which will shortly be introduced in Malaysia, have been revealed by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) for the first time. The facelifted Nissan Kicks will be fully-imported from Thailand (CBU).
Although it functions similarly to an electric vehicle (EV), the Nissan Kicks e-Power actually has a petrol engine that it uses as a generator to charge the batteries. Nissan’s second-generation e-Power system charges the vehicle’s 2.1 kWh lithium-ion battery by using its 1.2-litre engine as a generator, meaning that this engine does not drive the wheels in any way. The electric motor, which generates 280 Nm and 129 horsepower, is then powered by the battery.
The components of the e-Power system are generally lighter and smaller, and it has a stronger electric motor for better acceleration. Nissan claims that range of the Kicks e-Power is 900 km but in the real world, we’d suggest 800km.
Although Nissan claims the car does 21.7 km/L, some media claim to have achieved 17.5 km/L on average. The Kicks has a 41-litre fuel tank and a 423-litre boot, which according to Nissan, can accommodate up to five bags: three 20-inch cabin bags, one 24-inch bag, and one 28-inch bag.
In Malaysia, there will be three different Nissan Kicks e-Power models available: the VL (Middle Grade), VLT (High Grade), and VLT (High Grade two-tone). Red Pearl, Sunrise Orange, Brilliant Silver, Brilliant White Pearl, and Black Star are among the available colours.
Automatic LED headlamps, LED fog lights, side mirrors that fold up automatically, and 17-inch wheels are standard on all three models. The top VLT (High Grade two-tone) gets a blacked-out roof and a dual-tone body paint.
The Kicks’ interior closely resembles that of the recently released Nissan Almera, and it has six speakers, three USB connections, a seven-inch digital meter, an eight-inch touchscreen with connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats. The driver’s seat has six manual adjustments, while the front passenger seat has four.
Starting with the VLT (High Grade), which has two-tone brown and black leather seats, the VL (Mid Grade) has fabric seats.The VLT (High Grade) also comes with a 360-degree camera, Intelligent Rear View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
While the Kicks is not an EV, it is as close as you can get to one, and we think will appeal to those wanting to try the EV experience but not have to deal with range anxiety. While the car only uses its batteries and electric motor to drive the car, the engine does cut in a lot to charge when needed. To be honest, Nissan’s lineup in Malaysia was getting a little stale so the Kicks should add some welcome impetus—some pizzazz—to the lineup. Prices have not been revealed but we’d recommend a test drive. You may be surprised.