2023 Nissan Kicks: Variants, Specs, Pricing

Nissan Philippines is ready to kick some ass as it continues to push for electrification with its latest offering, the all-new Nissan Kicks. It is set to compete in the very popular and crowded subcompact crossover segment once it’s launched this coming August 12.

While it may not be the first electrified model in the segment, it is the first to provide a full electric vehicle driving experience as it is available with Nissan’s e-POWER technology.

e-POWER is a self-charging and 100% electric motor drive system powered by an efficient gasoline engine that offers an exciting and fun drive. It utilizes the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) technology from the Nissan LEAF full EV with the addition of a gasoline engine used for charging. In other words, it is a gas-powered electric motor.

This isn’t your usual hybrid powertrain as in that case, the gasoline engine, battery, or the combination of both can send power to the wheels. In the case of e-POWER, only the battery can send power to the wheels as the engine is not connected to them. Instead, the gasoline engine charges the electric motor.

Anyway, having e-POWER, all variants of the 2023 Nissan Kicks for the Philippines have under the hood a 1.2-liter HR12DE Inline 3-Cylinder petrol engine that has a total output of 136 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque paired to a single-speed automatic transmission.

The 2023 Nissan Kicks e-POWER is available with a total three variants. The lineup starts with the EL, followed by the mid-spec VE, and topped-off by the top-spec VL, similar to other models in Nissan’s local lineup.

In front, the 2023 Nissan Kicks e-POWER features a bold front fascia that is amplified by the large V-Motion grille, flanked by slim headlights. The rear on the other hand looks similar to both the previous and new generation Nissan X-Trail. 

Standard on all variants are full LED headlights, daytime running lights, LED taillights, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and roof rails. Going for the top-spec VL adds a two-tone exterior color scheme, and LED fog lights.

Inside, the Nissan Kicks features a simple but modern interior layout. Standard interior features starting from the EL are fabric seats, a 7-inch TFT display for the instrument cluster, 4-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, electronic gear selector, and electronic parking brake with auto-hold. Moving to the VE adds an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Going for the VL adds leather seats, chrome inside door handles, and a 6-speaker audio system.

For the safety department, as with other newer Nissan models, the Kicks e-POWER is equipped with the Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of advanced driver-assistance technology, specifically the e-Pedal for all variants, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW), and Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB) on the VE and VL. Exclusive to the VL is an Intelligent Around-view Monitor (IAVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD).

Meanwhile, for other safety features, the Kicks gets dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, vehicle dynamic control, and rear parking sensors as standard. The VE and VL get additional side and side curtain airbags.

As for pricing, the entry-level EL is priced at Php 1,209,000, the mid-spec VE at Php 1,309,000, and the top-spec VL at Php 1,509,000 which are very competitive especially if compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

What do you think, competitive right? Again, the all-new Nissan Kicks e-POWER will be launching in the Philippines this coming August 12 through a virtual event. For those interested, you may already start visiting your local dealerships to pre-order.