Nissan PH launching 2022 Kicks e-Power hybrid next month

Remember when we tested Nissan’s e-Power technology last month? Well, the cat is officially out of the bag as the automaker has confirmed that the all-new Kicks e-Power is now in the country.

That’s right, after being unintentionally confirmed for the Philippine market as early as 2020, Nissan’s newest B-segment crossover SUV will be going up against the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, as well as the Geely Coolray.

Let’s start with the most important aspect of the Kicks, its e-Power hybrid system. Unlike a typical parallel hybrid system wherein both the engine and electric motor work in unison to drive the wheels, Nissan’s e-Power delivers a more EV-like driving experience.

While it has a 1.2-liter three-cylinder under the hood, the engine doesn’t directly power the drivetrain. Instead, it serves as a generator that charges the lithium-ion batteries which in turn powers the electric drive system. This setup allows the Kicks e-Power to be a self-charging vehicle that doesn’t need to be plugged in.

Based on initial specs, the Kicks e-Power will produce 136 PS and 280 Nm of torque. The company also mentioned that its EV-like setup will deliver smooth acceleration, instantaneous torque, and better fuel efficiency. In fact, Nissan claimed that it can easily average between 22 to 25 km/l under the best driving conditions.

The vehicle will also come with various drive modes like Eco and Sport. But what is perhaps the most intriguing feature is the e-Pedal Step. Deriving from the Nissan Leaf’s e-Pedal technology, this allows drivers to accelerate and decelerate with just one pedal. Releasing one’s foot off the accelerator pedal would allow the vehicle to slow itself down without using the brakes. However, the system can be turned off should the driver prefer the traditional two-pedal setup.

Size-wise, its dimensions are similar to B-segment crossover SUV rivals. Looking at what other markets get, the Kicks e-Power measures 4290mm long, 1760mm wide, and 1610mm tall. it also has a generous 2610mm wheelbase and a tight turning radius of 5.1m.

Other available features on the Kicks e-Power include 17-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior elements, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, stylish LED taillights with an integrated lightbar, leather or fabric upholstery, 60:40 split rear seats, an intelligent rearview mirror system, push-button start, rear A/C vents, and USB charging ports for the rear passengers. Depending on the variant, the Kicks can come with either a touchscreen infotainment or a 2-DIN sound system.

Nissan will reveal more details and other specifications about the Kicks e-Power closer to its launch in August. There is also no mention of the number of variants available. But based on what Nissan initially revealed recently, there could be a total of three variants for the Philippine market. Price-wise, our best guess is that Kicks e-Power might retail between PHP 1.2 to 1.5 million which could mean it might undercut the Corolla Cross.

The Nissan Juke may be gone, but in its place is the eco-friendlier Nissan Kicks e-Power.