2020 Nissan Kicks e-Power launched in South East Asia

KUALA LUMPUR: At last, the highly anticipated Nissan Kicks hybrid version made its way to Thailand last week. The automaker introduced the 2020 Nissan Kicks e-Power through a live streaming event. It was a Nissan regional launch event and the world debut of the new model. The launch is marked as the automaker's latest entry in the subcompact crossover segment, which is set to lock horns with the Ford EcoSport and Hyundai Kona.

2020 Nissan Kicks is equipped with e-POWER, a revolutionary electrified drivetrain first introduced by the automaker in Japan. It is built in Thailand and perfectly designed for the lifestyles of urban customers.

Nissan states that the novel drivetrain is different from conventional hybrid systems. It houses an HR12DE 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 79 PS of power and 103 Nm of torque. The engine acts solely as a generator for a 1.57 kWh battery placed under the front seats, which means no compromise with boot space. The battery powers an EM57 electric motor with 129 PS and 260 Nm, which drives the front wheels. 

This mechanical setup is linked to a shift by wire system that offers several drive modes - Smart, Eco, Normal, and EV. Moreover, the hybrid system also has a one-pedal function that allows drivers to accelerate and decelerate using the accelerator pedal, similar to ongoing Leaf.

In terms of styling, the B-segment crossover now comes with a bolder V-Motion grill, and longer, and sleeker headlights. The front bumper has a more rounded off appearance with new corner air intakes to complement the changes. 

Other changes include a new set of rims with a more slim spoke design, tweaked taillights, sleeker reverse lights, and turn signals. Moreover, a part of the rear bumper now comes in body-colored, which clearly marks a difference from the outgoing model, having an unpainted bumper or just a simple chrome accent one.

Coming to the cabin of 2020 Nissan Kicks, it features a two-tone interior and an exclusive instrument cluster. The cluster displays the vehicle's battery status, range, and other energy-related numbers. The automaker offers different interior colors for the different variants. The new kicks e-Power also houses a special gear selector, similar to Leaf EV. 

For safety, Nissan has loaded the Kicks e-Power with six airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, and hill start assist. Moreover, it comes with an Intelligent Mobility safety suite, which comprises intelligent cruise control, intelligent emergency braking, intelligent forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, intelligent around-view monitor with moving object detection, rear cross-traffic alert and intelligent rearview mirror.

"The launch of the all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER in Thailand represents the disruptive and innovative DNA of Nissan that we continue to bring to the region," said Yutaka Sanada, MC Chairman and regional senior vice president, Nissan Asia & Oceania. "This is an exciting day for Nissan and Thailand, as a key global production and export hub for Nissan and regional leader driving the company's vision for electrification of mobility."

2020 Nissan Kicks e-Power is available in four variants in Thailand with a starting price of 889,000 baht (RM 120,522). 

Regarding the Malaysian launch, Edaran Tan Chong Motor has previously stated its plans to bring the Kicks in the country, although it is still unknown when this will occur.

Also read: Nissan aims to cut costs by RM 12 billion as part of the restructuring plan