Yesterday, we brought you initial photos, specs and equipment of the Nissan Kicks e-Power, but now we present to you a full gallery of the car – in top-spec VLT trim, no less. Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is gearing up for the hybrid B-segment SUV’s launch next month, likely at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS).
The company may be supremely late to the party, given that the car debuted in Thailand in facelifted form back in 2020, but it’s adamant the Kicks is able to give the established players a run for their money. As previously reported, the crossover is CBU fully imported from the Land of Smiles.
A total of two variants will be offered in Malaysia, the VL and this VLT, both powered solely by a single electric motor at the front producing 129 PS and 280 Nm of torque. It’s hooked up to a 82 PS/103 Nm HR12DE 1.2 litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder that only serves as a generator for the motor and the 2.06 kWh battery, with no mechanical connection to the wheels.
This is similar to how the Honda HR-V e:HEV‘s powertrain works, except that car’s engine is connected to a single-speed transmission and a lock-up clutch to provide motive power at higher speeds. The Kick’s tardiness to enter our market does mean that Malaysians get a more powerful engine and a larger battery compared to the initial 2020 version.
So equipped, the Kicks e-Power is capable of sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. “In-gear” acceleration is also strong, the car able to get from 100 to 120 km/h in four seconds flat. Fuel consumption is rated at 21.7 km per litre, resulting in a claimed total range of up to 900 km with the 41 litre fuel tank. You get a choice of Normal, Sport and Eco drive modes, plus a one-pedal e-Pedal Step mode.
Break out the measuring tape and you’ll realise that the Kicks is about half a size smaller than the competition. At 4,290 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,605 mm tall, the Nissan is nearly 100 mm shorter than the HR-V and 170 mm shorter than the Toyota Corolla Cross, although its 2,615 mm wheelbase is comparable to both. Also comparable is the 423 litre boot, proving that the smaller size is not an impediment.
The styling of the Kicks is as per what was shown in 2020, with wide LED reflector headlights, a deep V-motion grille, a full-width taillight design and blacked-out A- and C-pillars for the de rigueur floating roof look. You also get standard-fit 17-inch two-tone five-spoke alloy wheels that are similar to what you’d find on the pre-facelifted Leaf EV.
Inside, the Kicks will be very familiar to those who own the Almera, sporting an all-but-identical flat-bottomed steering wheel, two-tone dashboard and door cards. The tech is also shared with that car and includes a seven-inch part-digital (speedometer is still analogue) instrument display and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The only visible differences are the black and maroon colour scheme, the e-Power-specific flat gear selector and an electronic parking brake.
Other bits of standard kit include LED fog lights, keyless entry, push button start, manual Zero Gravity seats, fabric upholstery, single-zone auto air con and six speakers. Seven airbags and autonomous emergency braking also come standard.
The list of additional kit for the VLT is short but significant and includes a digital rear-view mirror, a 360-degree camera system with Moving Object Detection (MOD), adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. The top trim level also gains the option of a black roof.
The available colours are Black Star, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Red Pearl and this Sunrise Orange hero hue, with the aforementioned black roof available on all but Black Star and Brilliant Silver (an exclusive Dark Metal Grey takes their place).
Given the late timing, the Kicks e-Power will need to be priced competitively to compete against the HR-V e:HEV RS and Corolla Cross Hybrid, which retail for RM141,900 and RM143,000 respectively. Would you buy the Nissan if it is priced well? Sound off in the comments after the jump.
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