Nissan Kicks e-Power B-SUV Malaysia specs revealed – 100% motor drive, 1.2L generator, 21.7 km/l, AACP

Specifications of the Malaysian-market Nissan Kicks e-Power has been revealed by Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) ahead of the B-segment SUV’s launch in December, possibly at KLIMS 2024. We’re getting the facelifted, first-generation Kicks as per Thailand, and the model is CBU imported from there as well.

The Kicks comes with Nissan’s second-generation e-Power technology, a hybrid system that is 100% electric motor driven, with the ICE purely as a generator. This makes it stand out in the market, as the other Japanese hybrid systems in the market switch between full EV driving, combined or even ICE-only, depending on the situation.

Here, the e-Power’s 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated inline-three petrol engine acts solely as a generator for a 2.1-kWh battery, with no mechanical connection to the wheels. As the engine only serves to generate energy for the battery and operates under fixed conditions, Nissan says it is able to consistently achieve a high level of thermal efficiency for improved fuel efficiency while reducing emissions.

The battery powers a front-mounted e-motor rated at 129 PS and 280 Nm, which is good for a 0-100 km/h time of 9.5 seconds (100 to 120 km/h acceleration in 4.0 seconds). Claimed combined fuel consumption is 21.7 km per litre, and with that, range from the 41-litre fuel tank is up to 900 km, ETCM says.

There’s a single-pedal ‘e-Pedal Step’ system as well as an EV mode where the ICE is not in play at all. As the battery is small relative to full EVs, EV mode is good for 2.5 km of travel at 40 km/h, ETCM says. That’s useful for driving in traffic jams or shopping mall carparks.

We’re getting three variants, or rather two plus one two-tone option. The range kicks off with the VL, which comes with full LED front lighting (headlamps, fog lamps, signals), auto-folding wing mirrors, 17-inch alloys (no spare, tyre repair kit), ‘zero gravity’ fabric seats (manual), electronic parking brake with auto hold, auto air con and cruise control.

The mid spec car also comes with a 7.0-inch digital meter panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and six speakers. Safety wise, it’s seven airbags plus forward collision warning and braking (AEB).

The VLT adds on two-tone (brown-black) leather for the seats (brown is also on the door cards and dash), a 360-degree around view monitor, intelligent rear view mirror (LCD screen with camera), active cruise control, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert. You can have the VLT in two-tone paint as well; count this in and there are three variants in total.

Speaking of colours, choose from Black Star, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Red Pearl and the signature Sunrise Orange. VLT buyers can opt to have a black roof on orange, white and red. There’s also a Dark Metal Grey for the two-tone VLT. This means that grey is exclusive to the VLT while silver is VL-only.

That’s about it, leaving the price to be revealed at the launch next month. What do you think of the Nissan Kicks e-Power’s specs and looks? Japanese hybrid SUV rivals awaiting the Kicks are the Honda HR-V e:HEV RS and the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid – both are going for RM142k. RM140k will also buy you the GWM Haval H6 HEV, which is larger than all of the above and has a turbocharged ICE.

GALLERY: Nissan Kicks e-Power VL, Malaysia-spec

GALLERY: Nissan Kicks e-Power VLT two-tone, Malaysia-spec

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