After driving it as an unnamed camouflaged model last month, we can finally tell you: Nissan Philippines is launching the Kicks. Set for an official market debut in the next few weeks, this new B-segment SUV is set to electrify the segment by being the first local model to be powered by Nissan’s e-Power drivetrain.
The Nissan e-Power is a 100 percent electric motor drive system utilizing battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology from the Leaf. The EM47 electric motor is the sole means of propulsion for the compact crossover. Instead of plugging into a socket, a 1.2-liter (HR12DE) serves as a power generator for the 2.06-kWh lithium-ion battery. As the “Step 2” version of e-Power, the Philippine market Kicks makes 136 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque.
Aside from a driving experience akin to an electric vehicle (near silent operation, instantaneous torque), since the combustion engine only operates at an optimal rpm range, it helps push the fuel efficiency to up to 25 km/L (26.3 km/L in Thailand).
Nissan Philippines has yet to confirm the exact variants and pricing of the Kicks e-Power, but based on this short preview, there are at least three variants.
Externally, the differences are minor since things like 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights are standard. The base model though looks to be lacking front fog lamps and silver trimming on the side molding, while the high-trim variant looks to all sport a two-tone color scheme.
Inside, all Kicks models are well-equipped with a push-button engine start/stop, leather seats, and automatic climate control. The base model though ditches the silver and high-gloss black trim accents, chrome door handles, and seems to have a smaller infotainment system and four speakers. Meanwhile, the higher trims benefit from an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six speakers.
In terms of safety, all Kicks variants look to have 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold as standard. All variants also have Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Emergency Braking (based on the front logo treatment), but basing it on the side mirrors, only the top-of-the-line variant will have a 360-degree camera and blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert.
Shown on track, the Kicks e-Power has at least five colors: Night Blue, Monarch Orange, Radiant Red, Gun Metallic, and Storm White. Pricing will be revealed closer to the launch, but Nissan says it’ll be “competitive.” Furthermore, it will have a special service package that promises to reduce the cost of ownership.
The Nissan Kicks e-Power (including its e-Power battery) is manufactured at Nissan Thailand which exports it to the Philippines as well as Japan.
2022 Nissan Kicks e-Power General Specifications
- Overall Length: 4,290 mm
- Overall Width: 1,760 mm
- Overall Height: 1,610 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,615 mm
- Front Track: 1,520 mm
- Rear Track: 1,535 mm
- Ground Clearance: 175 mm
- Turning Radius: 5.1 m
- Curb Weight: 1,350 to 1,358 kg
- Engine: EM47 AC3 Synchronous Motor
- Maximum Output: 136 PS @ 3,410 to 9,697 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 280 Nm @ 0 to 3,410 rpm
- Transmission: Single-Speed Gear Reduction
- Generator: 1.2-liter DOHC 12-valve 3-Cylinder (HR12DE)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 41 liters
- Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Axle
- Wheel Size: 17 x 6.5 J
- Tire Size: 205/55 R 17
Damn! Just in time Nissan. With all the ridiculously luxury fuel prices recently, this must be the goldilocks model Nissan has.
ReplyDeleteI would buy one if I can
ReplyDeletei hope it's qualified to have no excise tax!
ReplyDeleteBring it back a Nissan Elgrand, Nissan Livina & Nissan Serena.
ReplyDeleteNissan Note E Power by November 2022
ReplyDeletesana plug-in ang main power nya. reserba lang yang makina kung malapit na maubos kuryente sa baterya. parang hindi convincing ang 23km/L. kung tipid lang ang habol mag suzuki alto nalang ako. mura na mahigit 23km/L pa ang FC.
ReplyDeletePaying for gasoline to power this car's generator is still cheaper than paying for Meralco's electricity, so overall cost of ownership is still cheaper for this series hybrid compared to traditional gas-electric parallel hybrids or plug-in EVs.
DeleteJust saw the Kicks being transported in SLEX. Looked good!
ReplyDelete