Launched last December at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2024, the Nissan Kicks e-Power bears the significant responsibility of driving the resurgence of Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM).
For the Malaysian market, the Kicks e-Power is fully imported (CBU) from Thailand. We get the first-generation facelift model that was actually introduced in that country four years ago.
Although it may not be the freshest product on the market, it offers something new to car buyers in Malaysia – the e-Power powertrain.
Unlike conventional hybrid systems, the internal combustion engine in the e-Power system does not drive the wheels. Its role is to charge the 2.1 kWh battery, which in turn powers the front axle.
Sounds pretty fancy, but what are the maintenance costs like?
For mileage intervals of 10,000 km, 20,000 km, 50,000 km, and 70,000 km, customers will need to spend RM252.80 for replacements of engine oil, oil filter, sump washer, and a multipoint inspection.
When the odometer hits 30,000 km, 60,000 km, and 90,000 km, Nissan will replace the air conditioning filter, bringing the cost to RM367.80.
For mileage at 40,000 km and 80,000 km, the DOT3 brake fluid will be replaced along with the engine oil, oil filter, and sump washer. For these two intervals, the cost reaches RM468.80 each.
Once the odometer surpasses six figures, you will need to spend RM571.80 for services involving the replacements of engine oil, oil filter, sump washer, spark plugs, and multipoint inspection.
According to ETCM, the prices mentioned include labour costs but exclude an 8% service tax.
The first replacement for coolant will be carried out at 160,000 km and will occur every 80,000 km thereafter. The inverter coolant will begin to be replaced at 200,000 km and subsequently every 80,000 km.
Conclusion
The total cost of regular servicing for the Nissan Kicks e-Power is approximately RM3,624 for a mileage of 100,000 km/five years of ownership. This means, on average, owners should expect to spend about RM724.80 per year or RM60.40 per month on servicing.
This calculation is important because, in addition to instalment payments, customers also need to consider servicing costs and other expenses such as fuel, insurance, and tolls before making a decision.
Recently at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) marked its revival with the launch of the Nissan Kicks e-Power.
The Kicks e-Power for the Malaysian market will be fully imported (CBU) from Thailand. This means we are getting the facelifted version of the crossover, which was originally launched in that country four years ago.
Although it is not the freshest product on the market, the Kicks offers something new: the e-Power powertrain. It features an internal combustion engine, but unlike conventional hybrids, the petrol mill serves only as a generator.
The wheels are driven 100% by an electric motor at all times, allowing you to enjoy a driving experience that is almost akin to that of an electric vehicle (EV) without having to get in a fluster about charging.
This is indeed appealing and certainly helps improve fuel efficiency; however, during a recent media test drive, I found three shortcomings.
Outdated exterior design
As mentioned, the Kicks e-Power is actually a product that is somewhat aged. This is evident in its exterior design, which appears rather dated when compared to its closest competitors.
Don’t get me wrong; its appearance is not unattractive, but it lacks any elements that might make it stand out in a showroom.
However, as you may know, appearance, design, and related matters are subjective. Not everyone desires a car that is overly flashy—some prefer a more casual and understated look.
Underwhelming interior
The interior of the Kicks is neat and simple, but like its exterior, it is beginning to show its age.
This is because the layout is approximately 95% identical to that of the Almera’s but Kicks does come with a more sophisticated gear knob that feels somewhat awkward to use due to its shape.
Additionally, the use of hard plastic finishes on the dashboard and door panels detracts from the overall appeal of this car. The rear passenger space also feels somewhat cramped, despite the fact that its wheelbase is 5 mm longer than that of the HR-V.
Reasonably spacious boot, but…
The Kicks e-Power features a boot space that is quite generous, offering 423 litres of capacity. Unfortunately, lift the boot floor and you will not find any spare tyre. Instead, there is a tyre repair kit.
Was the decision to exclude a spare tyre made for cost or technical reasons? It is plausible that cost played a role, as the car market in Malaysia is generally quite price-sensitive so there’s a chance that ETCM may have taken this step to ensure that prices remain competitive.
Technical factors also make sense, as hybrid powertrains like e-Power involve additional components, and some of these components may encroach under the boot floor where spare tyres are usually found.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has officially launched the Nissan Kicks e-Power in the local market.
As reported, this compact crossover is available in two variants: VL and VLT. The official selling prices have been announced, starting at RM113,800 for the former and RM121,800 for the latter.
The VLT variant can also be had with a two-tone colour scheme for an additional RM4,000, bringing its selling price to RM125,800.
Interestingly, ETCM is offering an Early Bird promotion, where the first 500 customers will receive a 10-year/160,000 km EV component warranty and an introductory rebate of RM5,000.
With said rebate, the selling price of the Kicks e-Power is reduced to RM108,800 for the VL, RM116,800 for the VLT, and RM120,800 for the VLT in the two-tone option.
The Kicks e-Power features the e-Power drivetrain, which combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 2.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. The combination produces a total system output of 129 PS and 280 Nm.
Unlike a conventional hybrid drivetrain, the internal combustion engine in the e-Power system acts solely as a generator, tasked with charging the battery. The power is then delivered to the electric motor to drive the wheels.
This means that the Kicks e-Power is fully powered by the electric motor, much like a true electric vehicle, but it does not require charging.
Fuel consumption is rated at 21.7 km/l based on the NEDC cycle. With a 41-litre fuel tank, it is claimed to be capable of achieving a range of up to 900 km.
In terms of equipment, the Kicks e-Power comes standard with automatic LED headlights, LED fog lights, automatically folding side mirrors, speed-sensitive wipers, and a tyre repair kit (no spare tyre).
Inside, highlights include Zero Gravity seats covered in fabric, manual six-way adjustment for the driver’s seat, four-way adjustment for the front passenger seat, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch TFT display, and three USB ports.
Safety features comprise Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Cruise Control, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Forward Emergency Braking.
Those opting for the VLT variant receive additional kit such as two-tone leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera, Intelligent Rear View Mirror, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The Kicks e-Power is available in Black Star, Sunrise Orange, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, and Red Pearl.
The VLT variant can also be ordered with a Super Black roof for the Sunrise Orange, White Pearl, and Red Pearl colours. Another two-tone option available for the range-topping variant is Dark Metal Grey.
The official distributor of Nissan in Malaysia, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), has been rather quiet in recent years.
The last all-new model launched by the company was the second-generation Almera, which made its debut somewhere late 2020. Since then, it appears as though Nissan has vanished from the radar.
But ETCM appears to be far from defeated; having been the custodian of the Nissan brand in Malaysia for over 60 years, the company is determined to maintain its presence in the market.
The first step in ETCM’s revival strategy is the introduction of the long-awaited B-segment crossover, the Nissan Kicks e-Power.
The Kicks e-Power for the Malaysian market will be fully imported (CBU) from Thailand, which means we will be getting the facelifted version of the first-generation model that was originally launched in The Land of the Smiles four years ago.
While this car may not be the freshest offering on the market, it does present something new for the Nissan brand in Malaysia: the e-Power powertrain.
What’s even more exciting is that this facelifted model features the second-generation e-Power system, which is lighter and more powerful.
But before delving deeper into the e-Power, you might be wondering how big is the Kicks? It measures 4,290 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width, and stands 1,605 mm tall, making it nearly 100 mm shorter than the Honda HR-V.
In terms of design, some say it resembles a mini version of the Nissan X-Trail. Whatever the case is, this writer can’t help but feel that the Kicks appears somewhat ‘aged’ despite yet to hit the market.
Don’t get me wrong; its appearance is certainly appealing, yet it lacks the ‘X’ factor that would make it stand out in a showroom.
As you might already know, beauty, design, and aesthetics are subjective— not everyone desires a flashy car; some prefer a more understated and casual look, which is exactly what the Kicks offers.
The interior of the Kicks is tidy and simple, but much like its exterior, it is starting to show signs of age.
The layout is approximately 95% identical to that of the Almera’s cabin but Kicks comes with a more sophisticated gear knob that feels somewhat awkward to use due to its shape.
The level of standard equipment is decent. The Kicks is fitted with Zero Gravity seats, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch TFT display, three USB ports, and manual adjustments for the driver and front passenger seats.
The top-of-the-range VLT variant adds a premium touch with two-tone leather upholstery adorning the seats and dashboard.
Nevertheless, there are elements that make the Kicks appear and feel somewhat inexpensive, one of which is the hard plastic trim on the door panels. Additionally, the air-conditioning control switches look like it came out 10 years ago and could benefit from a redesign.
Although the wheelbase is 5 mm longer than that of the HR-V, the rear passenger space in the Kicks feels a touch cramped, exacerbated by the somewhat upright seating position.
However, the boot space is fairly generous, offering a capacity of 423 litres. According to Nissan, it can accommodate two standard-sized golf bags, a large suitcase, and a medium-sized luggage. Sounds perfect for a weekend of golf.
The Kicks may have arrived fashionably late to the market, but as this writer has mentioned, it does bring something intriguing to the table: the e-Power powertrain.
So, what exactly is e-Power?
Nissan insists on not labelling it a hybrid, although the system integrates an internal combustion engine (ICE), an electric motor, and a battery. Thus, technically, it is a hybrid.
However, unlike conventional hybrid systems, the ICE in the e-Power setup does not drive the wheels. Its sole purpose is to charge the 2.1 kWh lithium-ion battery located in the middle of the frame. The wheels are powered entirely by the electric motor fed by this battery.
In essence, the wheels are propelled 100% by the electric motor, offering a driving feel akin to that of an electric vehicle, but with the added benefit that you need not worry about charging, ever.
How does it perform in the real world?
As soon as the accelerator pedal is depressed, the car pulls almost instantly and this is done without the roar of an ICE engine familiar in traditional vehicles.
Similar to a real EV, the powertrain delivers responsive acceleration and instant torque, allowing this writer to overtake other vehicles with ease, even when space was limited.
Yet, let’s not set our expectations too high, as the Kicks e-Power’s acceleration won’t melt your face like some high-performance EVs do. It delivers a modest 129 PS and 280 Nm—not particularly impressive, but still adequate to meet the needs of consumers in this segment.
The Kicks e-Power features three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. In this writer’s experience, the Normal mode is perfectly suitable for everyday driving, while the Sport mode can provide that extra power when needed.
Another advantage of the e-Power system is its single pedal driving capability known as e-Pedal Step. This feature is activated only in Eco and Sport modes, where the regenerative braking force is heightened, allowing the driver to slow down without depressing the brake pedal.
Moreover, with stronger regenerative braking, the battery charges more quickly. With a full battery, the EV mode can be activated, enabling the vehicle to travel up to 2.5 km on electric power at a speed of 40 km/h, with the engine completely turned off.
In addition to its addicting eagerness, the Kicks is a joy to driver, particularly on winding roads. Whatever magic the Nissan engineers have conjured for the suspension tuning, the crossover proves incredibly adept when tackling sharp bends.
Sound, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are also highly commendable. At higher speeds, wind and tyre noise are effectively suppressed. However, during aggressive acceleration, one may occasionally hear the engine working hard to recharge the battery.
Conclusion
Whether this model will help ETCM back on its feet is still uncertain, but in the Kicks, the company has a solid product, albeit one that is a touch aged.
This writer believes that by hyping up the strengths of e-Power and having an effective pricing strategy, ETCM may well find an opportunity to win back the hearts of consumers in this country.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has unveiled the specifications of the Nissan Kicks e-Power, which is set to launch in the local market this December.
According to ETCM, the B-segment SUV will be available as a fully imported (CBU) model from Thailand and will be offered in two variants, namely VL and VLT.
Both variants feature an e-Power powertrain that combines a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a 2.1 kW/h lithium-ion battery. The combination produces a total output of 129 PS and 280 Nm of torque.
Unlike conventional hybrid powertrains, the engine in the e-Power system acts solely as a generator to charge the battery. The power is then sent to the electric motor, which drives the front wheels.
This means the Kicks e-Power is entirely propelled by the electric motor, much like a real electric vehicle, but without the need for external charging.
Fuel efficiency is rated at a 21.7 km/l based on the NEDC cycle, and with a 41-litre fuel tank, the car is said to be capable of achieving a total range of up to 900 km.
In addition to Normal, Sport, and Eco modes, there is also an EV mode where the engine remains completely off, allowing for a driving experience akin to that of a true EV.
However, the mode can only be activated when the battery is fully charged and is limited to a range of 2.5 km due to the small battery size. Also featured is a one-pedal driving system called e-Pedal Step.
In terms of equipment, the Kicks e-Power comes standard with automatic LED headlights, LED fog lights, automatic folding side mirrors, speed-sensing wipers, and a tyre repair kit (no spare tyre included).
Inside, the SUV boasts Zero Gravity seats upholstered in fabric, manual six-way adjustment for the driver’s seat and four-way adjustment for the front passenger seat, an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a seven-inch TFT meter display, and three USB ports.
Safety features include Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Cruise Control, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Forward Emergency Braking.
Those opting for the VLT variant will enjoy added features such as two-tone leather upholstery, a 360-degree camera, an Intelligent Rear View Mirror, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The Kicks e-Power will be available in five striking colours: Black Star, Sunrise Orange, Brilliant White Pearl, Brilliant Silver, and Red Pearl.
The VLT variant can also be ordered with a Super Black roof for the Sunrise Orange, White Pearl, and Red Pearl colours. Alternatively, buyers can opt for the two-tone Dark Metal Grey.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
