All-new Nissan Kicks debuts with third-gen e-Power hybrid system

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Photo: Nissan

Nissan has officially launched the all-new Kicks in Japan, featuring a bold exterior, refined interior, and an updated e-Power hybrid system. Now in its second-generation, the all-new Nissan Kicks e-Power also comes with Nissan’s e-4ORCE electric all-wheel control technology.    

Nissan shared that the Kicks is among its core models, which reflects the Japanese car brand’s commitment to “design, driving performance, and comfort.”  

The all-new Kicks’ exterior comes with a bold and modern-looking design, which is highlighted by its sleek front end that features sharp headlights and a black grille. Nissan said the Kicks’ front fascia is inspired by an American football helmet, featuring a wide, horizontal grille accented by distinctive signature lighting. The Kicks also looks more aggressive than its predecessor, thanks to its large bumper that’s integrated with fog lights.

Turning at the side, the second-gen Nissan Kicks e-Power has crisp character lines, which further add to the vehicle’s overall bold demeanor. It also has black cladding, a roof rail, and a stylish set of wheels, giving the Kicks a unique character when viewed from the side.

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Photo: Nissan

The rear, on the other hand, is fitted with distinctive taillights that appear to be seamlessly connected by a black trim that extends all the way to the bumper. The all-new Nissan Kicks also has a roof spoiler, a shark fin antenna, and a beefy bumper, a design detail that further adds to the vehicle’s bold stance. 

Inside, Nissan said that the Kicks’ interior is designed to provide a modern, open, and comfortable space. The Kicks’ dashboard is fitted with a dual 12.3-inch screen (depending on the variant), which makes the interior have a modern feel. It is also integrated with NissanConnect infotainment system with built-in Google.

The Japanese car brand added that the all-new Nissan Kicks features soft-touch materials, while synthetic leather and fabric are used on the instrument panel, center console, and door trims to enhance quality and tactile comfort. Nissan’s zero-gravity seats are adopted for both front and rear outboard seats, improving passenger comfort.

Safety-wise, the all-new Kicks comes with Nissan ProPilot, which features safety tech such as Intelligent Around View Monitor, which now features Front Wide View, Invisible Hood View, and 3D View functions, helping visualize blind spots such as obstructed intersections and areas hidden by the hood, thereby supporting driver awareness and reducing stress.  

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Photo: Nissan

Nissan said that the Intelligent Emergency Braking system has also been enhanced, improving detection of pedestrians, oncoming vehicles, and crossing traffic at intersections to help avoid collisions. In addition, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (I-BSI) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW), as well as Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), are newly adopted to further strengthen rear-side safety support.

The all-new Kicks features an updated e-Power unit, adopting a newly developed 5-in-1 electric powertrain. It has a 1.4-liter gasoline engine that serves as a generator to charge the battery while an electric motor drives the wheels. The all-new Nissan Kicks generates a power output of 141 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque.  

It is also equipped with Nissan’s e‑4ORCE electric-drive all-wheel control technology. By integrating high-torque motor output with brake control, Nissan said that the system delivers responsive cornering performance and a smooth, comfortable ride.

Meanwhile, Nissan Philippines has announced that it will be launching the new Kicks, but we won’t be getting the all-new second-generation Nissan Kicks. Nissan PH told Autocar that it will not offer the second-gen Kicks in the local market due to a pricing issue, as the second-gen model is expected to warrant a higher price tag, which is something that will not resonate with Filipino buyers.

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Photo: Nissan

Autocar’s Take

The all-new second-generation Nissan Kicks e-Power has been officially launched in Japan, featuring a bolder exterior and a more refined interior. Not just that, it also comes with an updated e-Power tech, which is said to deliver better power and better efficiency. 

While the Philippine market will be missing out on the second-gen Kicks, Nissan PH’s decision to offer the older version could make more sense in terms of value proposition. As mentioned, the all-new second-gen Nissan Kicks is expected to warrant a higher price tag if it is offered in the local market. With that, we have to make do with the older Kicks.

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Photo: Nissan
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Martin Aguilar

Martin Aguilar

Martin is a BA Literature graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Aside from his interest in cars, Martin enjoys reading crime novels while drinking black coffee. With over a decade of experience writing about cars, he has explored different sides of the automotive industry. He even gave car review video hosting a try, going by the nickname Kambyo Boy Next Door.