The absence of the Nissan brand in the local compact crossover SUV segment has long been apparent, but this is about change soon. Earlier this week, local Nissan assemblers and distributors Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) took to social media to tease the new Nissan Kicks.
More specifically, the firm had posted both a Halloween and Deepavali-themed greetings through its official Facebook page. Both featured fully uncovered images of the Kicks, followed by copy indicating its arrival by Dec this year – likely during KLIMS 2024.
The Kicks’ entry into the local market is perhaps long overdue, but it is welcomed nonetheless. Signs of its arrival began as early as the Malaysia Auto Show 2024 (MAS 2024) where ETCM used a camouflaged unit to showcase the automaker’s e-Power electrified powertrain tech.
Following which, the firm also held a short preview drive for local press using the same unit. During which, ETCM kept tight-lipped about its plans surrounding the model, focusing instead to highlight the Nissan e-Power tech during this drive session.
Effectively, the signs were all there, and the Kicks is set to be the first Nissan e-Power model to enter our market once launched. For those who aren’t acquainted with the tech, you can read our First Drive report detailing which.
Basically, Nissan is promising the perks of an electric vehicle (EV) without the hassle of plugging in to recharge or suffering range anxiety through its novel e-Power electrified powertrain approach. The package still harnesses a combustion (ICE) mill at its base, but it does not power the wheels directly.
Instead, said ICE mill, which is a 1.2-litre 3-cyl petrol unit, is tuned for outright thermal efficiency and serves solely as a power generator to recharge the compact 2.06 kWh battery pack mounted under the rear seats aboard the Kicks.
In turn, said pack juices an e-motor that drives the front wheels in the Kicks with 129 PS and 280 NM, allowing 0-100 KM/H dashes in 9.5 secs. Altogether, the package promises frugal fuel economy figures of 4.6 litres/100 KM (21.7 KM/litre) and a maximum travel range of up to 900 KM.
For now, there are no indications of the model's price range. However, expect the Kicks to command somewhat similar figures as the rivalling Honda HR-V, which currently sees its electrified hybrid range-topper priced at RM141,900, whilst ICE variants range between RM115,900 to RM135,900.