Nissan Kicks e-Power Launched In Malaysia; Priced From RM113,800

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) officially launched the Nissan Kicks e-Power in Malaysia at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024, introducing a bold compact SUV that redefines electrified urban mobility with advanced features, efficiency, and style.

At the heart of the Nissan Kicks is the revolutionary 2nd generation e-Power system, a cutting-edge powertrain that delivers a fully electrified driving experience without requiring external charging. Unlike traditional hybrids, the e-Power system utilises a compact 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol engine exclusively as a generator to charge the onboard lithium ion battery, which in turn provides energy to an electric motor to drive the front wheels. This combination ensures effortless, quiet acceleration as well as impressive efficiency of up to 21.7 km/l. This innovative approach offers you the benefits of an electric vehicle while maintaining the practicality of a conventional petrol-powered system.

The front-mounted electric motor delivers 95kw (129 PS) and 280 Nm of torque, powered by a 2.06 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack positioned under the front seats. The estimated range on a full tank of petrol is estimated at around 900 km. The 4 driving modes (Eco, Sport, Standard, and EV) allow for tailored driving experiences while the e-Pedal Step feature enables you to accelerate and decelerate via a single pedal, using regenerative braking to recharge the battery at the same time. This intuitive system enhances convenience and provides a smoother, more effortless driving experience, especially in city traffic with frequent stop-and-go conditions, while also making it fun to drive on twisty B-roads as the battery pack isn’t large enough to weigh down the vehicle too much.

This concept also makes it an eco-friendly option for drivers who want to transition from traditional ICE vehicles to electrification but find charging time and infrastructure a challenge. 

“Electric mobility is one of the key pillars of our innovation, and today marks another significant milestone in our electrification journey in Malaysia. As part of Nissan’s global business plan, The Arc, we are expanding our lineup with EV and e-Power models,” said Ms. Asako Hoshino, Chief Brand & Customer Officer, MC Japan-ASEAN Chairperson, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML).

“The Nissan KICKS e-Power is just the beginning of the electric mobility journey in Malaysia. With over 60 years of presence in the country, we’re excited for the future and grateful to Edaran Tan Chong Motor for their ongoing partnership,” Hoshino added.

“The launch of the new Nissan KICKS e-Power marks a key step in making electric vehicles more accessible to Malaysians, driving us closer to full electric mobility. This game-changing SUV offers an EV-like experience with no compromise on fuel efficiency or performance. Now, Malaysians can enjoy this gateway technology, which has produced over 1.5 million e-Power vehicles worldwide,” said Christopher Tan, Executive Vice President, Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd.

Design-wise, the Nissan Kicks e-Power stands out with its signature V-Motion grille, sharp LED headlights, and a sporty silhouette. Its dimensions are 4,290 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width, and 1605mm in height, with a 2,620 mm wheelbase and a fairly spacious 423-litre boot. Ground clearance is 170 mm while minimum turning radius is 5.1 metres, thus providing great manoeuvrability. The Kicks’ 17″ alloy wheels and contrasting roof options further enhance its contemporary aesthetics.

Inside, the Kicks combines functionality and comfort, featuring a spacious cabin equipped with premium materials and intuitive controls. The front seats are the Zero-Gravity type for fatigue-free motoring, with 8″ infotainment touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility) offering in-car entertainment. The cheaper Kicks VL variant interior features black fabric with blue stitching, while the range-topping VLT variant comes with black and mocha brown leatherette, providing a premium and comfortable environment for all passengers. Furthermore, the electric motor-driven system ensures a quieter, smoother ride by minimising engine noise and vibration through the extensive use of insulation materials, to enhance overall driving comfort.

In terms of safety, the Kicks comes fitted with a suite of Nissan advanced driver assistance systems. These include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection. Complementing the ADAS are 7 SRS airbags and an enhanced body structure to help the Kicks earn a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.

The Kicks e-Power is also the first compact SUV to feature the innovative Intelligent Rear-View Mirror. This has a 2-megapixel rear-facing camera and a high-resolution display that enhances visibility, especially at night, to provide clear, flicker-free images through improved dynamic range. The rear view camera helps eliminate obstructed view caused by rear passengers or tall luggage or cargo, significantly boosting both safety and convenience. Additional safety features include Nissan’s Intelligent Trace Control, Vehicle Dynamic
Control, and Hill Start Assist.

Exterior colour choices for the Nissan Kicks are Brilliant White, Radiant Red, Gun Metallic, and Monarch Orange. The VLT variant also has a 2-tone option with Super Black roof, as well as a variant-exlusive Dark Metal Grey. Pricing starts at RM113,800 for the base variant, while the range-topping variant is priced at RM121,800 (RM125,800 for the 2-tone scheme).

For peace of mind, the Nissan Kicks e-Power comes with a 5-year (or 100,000 km) vehicle warranty. Also included is an 8-year (or 160,000 km) EV components warranty (high voltage battery, motor, inverter and e-Power control unit), which extends to a 10-year warranty for the first 500 customers (plus an introductory rebate of RM5,000).

The Nissan Kicks e-POWER is also designed to keep maintenance costs low, making it more affordable than many traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). The maintenance cost for 100,000 kilometers over 5 years is calculated to be RM3,624, which is significantly lower than many B-SUV models available on the market.

You can check out the Nissan Kicks e-Power at KLIMS 2024 @ MITEC Kuala Lumpur (5 – 11 December), or at any authorised Nissan showroom.

For more information, visit www.nissan.com.my, or contact Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline (1800-88-3838).