Now it can be told: Nissan Philippines’ maiden offering for its e-Power hybrid powertrain technology is the Kicks subcompact crossover, which will be launched in August.
Filipino customers will finally be introduced to the Kicks e-Power in August
The automaker confirmed this during a recent track day event at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga, where the Kicks e-Power was put through its paces. It was also here that the model was fully unveiled to members of the motoring media, after it was previewed as a thinly disguised unit at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) held last April.
A key feature that the upcoming model brings is its e-Power series hybrid technology. Similar to conventional hybrids, this comprises a gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. However, only the motor directly powers the wheels, with the combustion engine serving exclusively to recharge the onboard battery.
Testing the new model's mettle at the Clark International Speedway
Another highlight is the one-pedal operation mode called the e-Pedal Step, which automatically slows the vehicle down simply by taking the foot off the accelerator pedal. Note that the brake pedal still needs to be pressed when bringing the Kicks to a full stop. In either instance, regenerative braking engages to charge the battery by converting heat into electricity.
Further details have not been revealed as of this writing prior to the local launch, but the Kicks is sold in overseas markets with two separate powertrains. In the U.S., the Kicks comes with a 1.6-liter 16-valve gasoline engine producing 122 horsepower and 154 Nm of torque, mated to an Xtronic continuously variable transmission.
Drivers can set the Kicks e-Power to use the e-Pedal Step one-pedal operation mode
For ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, the Kicks is sold only in e-Power guise, with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder HR12 gasoline power unit charging a lithium-ion battery. This powers an EM57 electric motor that delivers 127 horsepower and 103 Nm of torque. All versions of the Kicks are available in front-wheel-drive only, except in Japan.
Nissan’s e-Power is being positioned as a viable alternative for Filipino customers who still having second thoughts about switching to electric vehicles, despite the passage of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) into law this year. Some of the reasons for the slow adoption of EVs in our market are the prohibitive costs, lack of charging infrastructure, and range anxiety.
The Kicks is also sold with a conventional powertrain in other markets such as the U.S. and China
The Kicks e-Power is expected to be offered in three variants. Estimated prices at launch are from Php 1.2 million to Php 1.5 million.
See what else that the industry’s top car brands have in store at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Nissan Kicks 2024
The Nissan Kicks Philippines is a hybrid-powered subcompact crossover. In the local market, it has four variants. They are the e-POWER EL AT, e-POWER VE AT, e-POWER VE Sport AT, and e-POWER VL AT. Their prices range from Php 1,179,000 to Php 1,544,000.
Under the hood, the Kick’s e-POWER engine can produce up to 134 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. Power is sent to this Nissan model’s front wheels via gear reduction transmission.
Size-wise, the Nissan Kicks is 4,300mm long, 1,960mm wide, and 1,615mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,620mm, and a ground clearance of 180mm.
Locally, the Nissan Kicks competes against the likes of the Geely Coolray, Kia Stonic, MG ZS, Toyota Raize, Changan CS35 Plus, Honda HR-V, among others.
Nissan Kicks Launch
The Nissan Kicks was officially launched in the Philippine market in August 2022. At launch, it came with three variants. There were the EL e-POWER AT priced at Php 1,209,000, the VE e-POWER AT priced at Php 1,309,000, and the VL priced at Php 1,509,000.
Nissan Kicks Exterior
For exterior equipment, the Nissan Kicks is equipped with LED headlamps with auto-on/off function, LED daytime running lamps, LED taillights, auto-folding power-adjustable mirrors, etc. It also comes with roof rails. This model also gets a black-colored V-motion grille.
Nissan Kicks Interior
The 2024 Kicks can seat up to five occupants. Its rear cabin has 60:40 split-folding seats, while the front has manually adjustable Nissan Zero Gravity seats. Passengers are then kept comfortable with an automatic air-conditioning system,
For the driver, it also provides a tilt and telescopic steering wheel wrapped in leather, a 7-inch TFT display meter, an ample amount of bottle and cup holders, a 12-volt power socket, etc.
Technology & Safety Features
Depending on the trim, the Nissan Kicks gets a total of six airbags. It also has anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, vehicle dynamic control, an engine immobilizer, and a car alarm.
For entertainment, this subcompact model is equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen headunit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-spec trim has six speakers, while the rest have four speakers.
Other features of this model include an idle start/stop system, a 360-degree view camera, parking sensors, and cruise control.
Nissan Kicks Engine
Powering the Nissan Kicks is an AC Synchronous motor supplied by a 2.13 kWh Lithium-ion battery. The said battery, in turn, is charged by a 1.2-liter inline-3 gasoline engine. Collectively, this is dubbed as the e-POWER powertrain.
At maximum, this system can produce up to 136 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via an automatic single-speed gear reduction transmission.
Nissan Kicks Chassis
The Nissan Kicks uses the V-platform. It shares this with the Nissan Almera. For suspensions, its front end is a strut-type, while the rear is a torsion beam suspension. Braking is handled by disc brakes for all wheels, and its parking brake is an electric type with an auto-hold function.
Nissan Kicks FAQs
1. How much space will the Nissan Kick 2024's luggage compartment have?
The capacity of the Nissan Kick 2024's luggage compartment will promisingly be 470 liters. That will be up to 835 liters of space after lowering the back seats.
2. How much will the Nissan Kick 2024 cost?
Depending on the variants, the Nissan Kick 2024 will be from Php 1,179,000.
3. How big is the Nissan Kicks 2024?
The measurement of the Nissan Kicks 2024 is 4,300mm in length, 1,960mm in width, and 1,615mm in height with a 2,620mm wheelbase.
4. How many variants does the Nissan Kicks 2024 have?
Four variants. They are the e-POWER EL AT, e-POWER VE AT, e-POWER VE Sport AT, and e-POWER VL AT.
5. What is one of the differences between the four variants?
In terms of safety features, the EL variant only has 2 airbags while the rest of the variants have 6 airbags.
₱ 1,239,000 - ₱ 1,539,000
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