Following a lengthy preview cycle, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has now announced the that the Nissan Kicks e-Power is now open for booking in Malaysia. As revealed during the media test drive earlier this month, the series-hybrid compact crossover will be offered in two variants here in Malaysia by the year end, with pricing estimated to start below RM130,000.
The Nissan Kicks e-Power will be officially launched here in Malaysia next month, potentially during the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS).
What sets the Nissan Kicks e-Power apart from its competitors within the segment is its powertrain. While it’s technically a hybrid, the e-Power mill actually functions more like an EV with only the single electric motor driving the front wheels; the engine functions merely as a generator to charge the battery, and supply additional (electric) power to the motors when needed.
On the Nissan Kicks, the e-Power powertrain here consists of a 129 hp/280 Nm electric motor on the front axle, married to a 82 hp/103 Nm 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder “generator” engine (82 hp, 103 Nm), and a 2.06 kWh battery.
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The compact crossover is rated for a 0-100 km/h sprint of 9.5 seconds, but thanks to its electric motor drive, the Nissan Kicks e-Power is much more responsive in day-to-day driving situations courtesy of its instant torque response. Top speed, meanwhile, is rated at 180 km/h.
With a unique electrified powertrain, the Nissan Kicks e-Power boasts a rated fuel consumption figure of 21.7 km per litre (4.61 L/100km), which translates to approximately 900 km of range with its 41 litre fuel tank. In EV mode, where the petrol engine remains off, the Kicks e-Power can travel for up to 2.5 km at a maximum speed of 40 km/h.
In terms of specifications, both variants come as standard with full LED headlights, daytime-running lights, front fog lamps, and front turn indicators, 17-inch wheels, an eight-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a semi-digital instrument cluster with a seven-inch display, electronic parking brake with auto hold, as well as “zero gravity” fabric seats with manual adjustments.
Safety wise, the base VL variant comes equipped with seven airbags as standard, alongside autonomous emergency braking.
Moving up to the VLT variant will see the addition of two-tone (black and brown) leather upholstery on the seats, door cards and dashboard, 360-degree surround view monitor, a digital rearview mirror, as well as an improved suite of advanced driver assistance features that now includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert.
The Nissan Kicks e-Power is available in six different exterior colour options depending on variant, including Black Star, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver (VL exclusive), Red Pearl, Dark Metal Grey (VLT exclusive) and the signature Sunrise Orange colour that was inherited from the R35 GT-R. Buyers of the VLT variant can also opt for a two-tone blacked out roof at extra cost, if they choose the orange, white, red, or grey hues.
ALSO READ: 2024 Nissan Kicks e-Power specs detailed ahead of Malaysia launch – 900 km per full tank!
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