Nissan Kicks could replace Juke in the PH market

When Nissan Philippines (NPI) dropped the first-generation Juke from its local lineup in 2021, that meant having no contender in the heavily contested subcompact crossover segment. Now, the Juke’s replacement in our market could come in the form of the Kicks. 

Nissan has confirmed that e-Power is coming to the Philippines

The second-generation Juke and the Magnite both emerged as possible options to take on the likes of the Geely Coolray, Ford EcoSport, MG ZS, and even the newly arrived Toyota Raize. However, NPI recently confirmed that it will launch its e-Power hybrid technology locally, increasing the chances of the Kicks arriving here. 

“We are  more inspired in strengthening our electrification strategy in the country through bringing the next generation e-POWER technology, a self-charging electric powered motor,” NPI president Atsushi Najima shared.

Nissan premiered the Kicks e-Power in Thailand on May 15, 2020, based on the standard version released in global markets. The model’s five-star performance in New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) crash tests included an apparent leak that it will be sold in the Philippines, information that was eventually corrected in November 2020. 

The Kicks is the only Nissan subcompact crossover so far equipped with this technology

Reports of Nissan’s e-Power making its way here have reignited rumors of the Kicks making a Philippine appearance, as it is currently the only Nissan subcompact crossover offered with the technology. 

Nissan e-Power has been marketed in Japan since 2016, debuting on the Note subcompact hatchback. The series hybrid powertrain uses a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor. However, the engine only serves as a generator to charge the batteries that run the electric motor, which in turn spins the front wheels with 129 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque.      

This allows the Kicks e-Power to transcend the current limitations of the LEAF electric vehicle

Like the rest of the e-Power range, the Kicks e-Power also comes with Nissan’s one-pedal operation which enables vehicle acceleration and deceleration through a single pedal. A single-speed gear reduction automatic transmission is the lone gearbox option. As of April 2021, Nissan has sold more than 500,000 e-Power models worldwide, divided among the Note, Serena minivan, Qashqai compact crossover, and Kicks.  

The potential introduction of the Kicks e-Power in our market could benefit NPI. Apart from fielding its own entry to the subcompact crossover category, the carmaker will also be able to address the current limitations of its LEAF electric vehicle, namely the price and inadequate charging infrastructure.

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