[QUICK REVIEW] Nissan Kicks e-Power: An Unparalleled Hybrid Experience

The Nissan Kicks e-Power has an impressive fuel consumption of about 2.2L/100km, similar to that of scooters currently on the market. This is made possible by the internal combustion engine acting as a power generator for the battery and motor, rather than directly driving the car. This is the key advantage of Nissan’s e-Power hybrid technology.

The second advantage is that consumers can experience an electric car without needing to change their usage habits since the car still runs on gasoline. This eliminates the initial challenges when the charging infrastructure is not yet able to meet the demand. In other words, you can drive an electric car while still being able to refuel with gasoline! Quite surprising, isn’t it?

The third advantage is that the Vietnamese car market is keeping up with the global auto industry’s general development trend. Vietnam is no longer considered a “third market” or a “consumption blank spot”. Pure electric vehicles, concept cars specifically developed for the region, and a variety of hybrid models are now available for a wider range of consumers, not just the luxury car segment.

All three of these major advantages are embodied in the Nissan Kicks e-Power, so what makes this newly launched B-segment crossover on November 2, 2022 so special?

Real-world performance just like an electric car

The e-Power technology on the Nissan Kicks is derived from the pure electric Nissan Leaf. It consists of key components: a high-powered W electric motor, a Lithium-ion battery pack, an inverter, a gasoline engine, and a power generator (which converts motion energy into electrical energy).

Here’s how it works: the gasoline engine, a 1.2L DOHC 3-cylinder, operates as a power generator. The electrical energy is then converted through the inverter to stabilize the voltage and current, and is then transferred to the battery for energy storage or directly supplied to the electric motor system located at the rear axle, powering the wheels.

In essence, the e-Power system on the Nissan Kicks is different from regular hybrid cars as the gasoline engine does not directly drive the wheels but only provides power. Compared to pure electric vehicles, the e-Power system on the Nissan Kicks shares similarities as the wheels are solely driven by the electric motor.

Thanks to this system, the 2022 Nissan Kicks e-Power is capable of producing a maximum power of up to 134 horsepower and a maximum torque of 280 Nm right from the start. In real-world driving experience, the Nissan Kicks delivers an impressive acceleration feel similar to that of electric vehicles, with instant torque at the start.

Furthermore, the car is equipped with energy recovery during braking, which significantly reduces fuel consumption to an impressive level of only 2.2L/100km (in urban conditions) – a figure comparable to that of regular scooters. Users can save on fuel costs and contribute to environmental protection with significantly reduced emissions.

In addition, Nissan introduces many interesting features alongside the e-Power technology, including: EV mode (which completely turns off the gasoline engine) for a completely silent driving experience similar to that of a pure electric car, and e-Pedal Step, an electronic pedal that allows you to drive the car with just one pedal, combining acceleration and braking, making it suitable for driving in city traffic.

Full of technology, compact space, youthful design

To meet consumers’ expectations, the Nissan Kicks e-Power comes with a range of advanced safety technologies, including: a 360-degree camera system with moving object detection, drowsiness warning, cruise control combined with an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, hill start assist, reverse sensors, and most importantly, 6 airbags placed strategically around the car…

The 2022 Nissan Kicks e-Power features a similar appearance to other B-segment crossovers currently on the market, such as the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta. Its dimensions are 4,305 x 1,760 x 1,615mm (LxWxH), and it has one of the longest wheelbases in its segment – 2,620mm.

The front of the car features the V-Motion grille, a design element shared with other Nissan models such as the Almera or Navara. It is accompanied by full LED headlights. At the rear, the Nissan Kicks is equipped with full LED brake lights in a youthful boomerang shape. Overall, the design of the Nissan Kicks is not radically different, but it is youthful and modern, appealing to young customers.

Inside the cabin, the Nissan Kicks comes with Zero Gravity leather seats that optimize passenger comfort. The space feels roomy thanks to the minimalist design.

In the center of the dashboard, there is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The car features a sporty D-cut steering wheel, a compact electronic shifter combined with a mechanical handbrake, giving it a neat and visually pleasing appearance.

In summary, the Nissan Kicks e-Power offers an interior space that is quite similar to its exterior – not extraordinary, but very convenient, adequate, and suitable for the basic needs of consumers.

Similar to its Hyundai counterparts in the Thanh Cong family, the distributor VAD offers a warranty policy of 5 years or 100,000 km for the Nissan Kicks. The car is imported from Thailand and is available in two e-Power versions: E and V, with prices of 789 and 858 million VND, respectively.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)