Nissan has given its Kicks compact SUV a mid-life reboot that’s now gone on sale in Japan with the second-generation e-POWER system, marking another milestone in Nissan’s expansion of its electrified vehicle portfolio.
Since it was launched in the Japanese market in June 2020, the Kicks has offered a powerful yet quiet driving experience thanks to its e-POWER electrified powertrain. The refresh now sees the second-generation e-POWER system that promises 5 percent greater power and 7 percent higher maximum torque.
The e-POWER system is a series-hybrid, unlike Honda’s i-MMD and Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive systems which are series-parallel hybrids.
In the Kicks, the engine doesn't drive the wheels and is only used as a generator to charge the high voltage battery that in turn drives the electric motor. In comparison, a series-parallel hybrid sees the engine driving the wheels as well as charging the high voltage battery.
In the Kicks, the e-POWER system relies on a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that feeds power to an electric motor making 129 PS and 260 Nm torque.
Furthermore, seeing that it’s essentially an electric vehicle, there’s no transmission to send power to the front wheels. In addition, the intuitive e-Pedal Step produces smooth deceleration when the accelerator is released, reducing the need for hard braking under certain driving conditions.
Fuel efficiency has improved by approximately 6.4 percent compared to the previous Kicks, now returning 23km/litre.
With the improved drivetrain, they’ve also managed to create a quieter cabin by reducing engine-start frequencies at low speeds.
A 4WD version has also been added to the line-up, providing a safer driving experience in a wide variety of conditions. The new e-POWER 4WD model features an electric 4WD system.
Safety isn’t neglected with a host of features standard on all variants. The Intelligent Forward Collision Warning is one of those. It uses a radar sensor in the front of the vehicle to detect the distances between the two cars ahead, as well as their relative speed. If the system determines there is a need to slow down due to a sudden reduction in speed in the vehicle ahead, it alerts the driver and provides collision-avoidance support.
However, features such as the Intelligent Around View Monitor system and the Intelligent Rear-view Mirror are only available on more premium variants.
It isn’t all the mechanical bits that received some TLC. In addition to the quieter cabin, the refresh saw the centre console and shift lever updated in appearance with a better finish. For models with two-tone interiors, beige is now offered as an option in addition to the catchier orange tan.
The Kicks is Nissan’s answer to the likes of the Honda HR-V, Proton X50, Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona. While it has been teased to eventually make its way to the Malaysian market, the wait continues as its peers have all established dominance in the segment.
Keyword: The new Nissan Kicks goes swinging in Japan with second-generation e-POWER