2023 Nissan Kicks First Impression Reviews | Philkotse Philippines

Coming into the Nissan Kicks e-Power Media Drive dubbed as “N-OVATION,” I didn’t know what to expect as I wasn’t able to attend the model’s ride and drive event, and track day. I did ask some of my media friends about the experience before the long drive, and let me tell you right now that the Nissan Kicks didn’t disappoint.

2023 Nissan Kicks e-Power

We already did an initial review on the new subcompact crossover challenger after we joined the ride and drive event. But this time, Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) took us on a thousand-kilometer road trip from Manila to Misibis Bay, Albay, and back, where we got to intimately experience the Kicks’ e-Power technology.

What I initially noticed when the Nissan Kicks e-Power arrived in front of me is its front fascia that highlights the brand’s signature V-Motion grille. It seamlessly connects to the sleek-looking full LED headlights that come standard across the range. Chrome bits are also incorporated along the double-black grille’s pattern.

17-inch wheels

The black motif continues all the way to the back, with the roof providing an appealing two-tone finish. Its side profile features a set of 17-inch 5-spoke wheels that come standard. And at the rear end, the vehicle LED taillights with a light bar-like design and a body-colored faux skid plate.

Rounded rear end

Many are divided over which looks better, the front or the rear. If you ask me, I like the front end more as it looks like it represented the brand’s signature grille the best. But I will vote for the rear end if only the tailgate is hosting a full-width LED taillight which appears to be a design trend these days.
 

We embarked on our journey at 2:00 a.m., hindering me from evaluating the cabin design. When morning came, I can say that the interior is something that you might expect – not that it is a bad thing. I appreciate the blacked-out a, b, and c pillars, as well as the soft-touch materials on the dashboard with white stitching.

Dark-themed cabin with a bright headliner

The bits that you will find in the cabin are 60:40 split-folding rear seats, leather steering wheel with manual tilt and telescopic adjust, large sun visors with a vanity mirror and a ticket holder, Type A and Type C USB ports behind the console, a 12-volt power outlet, and Nissan Genuine Accessory floor mats with the ‘Kicks’ lettering.

Three persons sitting at the back can feel tight

Since we have to inevitably drive through twisties, I expected to experience a bumpy ride. But thanks to the zero gravity driver and front passenger seats, which are also found in other Nissan models such as the Terra, I was held in place comfortably. It is, however, a different story at the back, especially during fast cornering speed runs.

Providing entertainment on the go is an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-spec VL e-Power AT variant, which is the one we drove during the N-OVATION media drive, is equipped with six speakers, while the base EL and mid-spec VE variants get four speakers only.

360-degree view camera

Safety-wise, the subcompact crossover has the brand’s Intelligent Mobility, offering Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM), Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW), Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), and Hill Start Assist (HSA). It is also installed with an e-pedal step which provides regenerative braking.

B Mode provides a more intense regenerative braking 

The Intelligent Mobility is a handy safety toy that we got to benefit from during the high-speed drive. I appreciate that it is not overly sensitive so you won’t get annoyed from time to time. Throughout our 26-hour drive, the brand’s advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) gave me the confidence to overtake safely.

Perhaps the best selling point of the Nissan Kicks e-Power is found under the hood. The crossover runs on an electric motor where the lithium-ion battery is charged by a 3-cylinder gasoline engine. Yes, the internal combustion engine (ICE) is used to charge the battery only and not to drive the wheels.

e-Power technology

The electrified powertrain exclusively sends 134 horsepower with 280 Nm of torque to the front wheels via a standard automatic single-speed gear reduction transmission. With the use of an electric motor, the instant torque delivery gave not only me but also most, if not all, drivers on the trip the confidence to zoom past vehicles for overtaking.

In terms of handling, the steering is light on low speeds, and eventually gets tighter once you pick up momentum. During cornering at high speeds, the tires barely screeched which made the drive really fun. 

Overtaking was a child's play

We were able to register 19.1 km/l on spirited driving, while some media participants shared with us that they got 28 km/l combined fuel economy. Regardless, those fuel eco numbers are something to be noted, and it could indeed be the Nissan Kicks’ main calling card as it goes up against its segment rivals in the local market. 

When NPI revealed the prices for the Nissan Kicks e-Power, the first word that came to mind is value. It comes equipped with features that can help it gain huge advantages over its competitors once it goes on sale. I can say that the Japanese automaker brought in a serious contender that other brands might want to watch out for.

The Nissan Kicks came to play

At a starting price of Php 1,290,000, you get to experience the standard e-Power tech that offers both performance and efficiency. But if you want to get improved safety and more upscale features, you are looking at a Php 1,509,000 price tag for the top-of-the-line Kicks VL e-Power AT.

Read more of our first impression reviews at Philkotse.com.