Can the Nissan Kicks be a segment contender? [Poll of the Week]

The subcompact crossover segment in the Philippines has been gaining popularity, which is a trend that can somehow be attributed to the Geely Coolray’s arrival back in 2019.

2023 Nissan Kicks e-Power

The Coolray has significantly helped Geely to establish itself in the Philippine automotive industry, posting significant sales figures. This made other car brands in the local market see the potential of crossover vehicles, resulting in launching their respective challengers in the segment. 

Nissan Philippines is making a comeback in the subcompact crossover segment, after leaving the competition for some time with the axed Juke. The Japanese car brand aims to shake up the segment with the upcoming launch of the 2023 Nissan Kicks e-Power.  

The Kicks e-Power is confirmed to officially make its Philippine launch on August 12. Nissan PH has also confirmed that it will be available in three variants with a starting price of Php 1,209,000. In terms of size, the 2023 Nissan Kicks sits in between the likes of the Geely Coolray, Ford Territory, and the Toyota Corolla Cross. 

All variants of the Nissan Kicks look almost identical

All three Nissan Kicks variants look similar to each other design-wise. The only significant difference you can spot is the entry-level EL trim’s lack of fog lamps. Other than that, all variants are equipped with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, among others. 

The same story goes when you step inside the Kicks’ cabin. All Kicks variants are once again fitted with almost the same features such as the following: zero gravity seats, 60:40 split folding rear seats, tilt & telescopic steering wheel, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and electronic parking brake with auto hold.

Pricing for the Nissan Kicks e-Power starts at Php 1,209,000

All three variants of the 2023 Nissan Kicks are also equipped with the e-Power technology, which was first introduced on the second-generation Note mini MPV for the Japanese market in 2016. The Kicks e-Power still comes with a gasoline engine although it’s only there to charge the battery pack that gives power to the electric motor. The Nissan Kicks can put out 134 hp and 280 Nm of torque.

Nissan PH claims that the Kicks is a fuel-efficient vehicle due to its e-Power technology. The car brand said that it can do 23.8 km/l (combined city and highway driving), which is notable compared to other crossovers equipped with an internal combustion engine (ICE).

Here are the variants and prices of the 2023 Nissan Kicks e-Power: 

Nissan Kicks EL – Php 1,209,000

Nissan Kicks VE – Php 1,309,000

Nissan Kicks VL – Php 1,509,000

That said, do you think that the Nissan Kicks can be a contender in the local crossover market? Cast your vote now in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week.