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Nissan Kicks e-POWER: Fun and economical

Nissan took us out on a pocket drive to Bataan. The catch is we have to be as fuel-efficient as possible. Did we win? Read on to find out.

Autodeal on Oct 26, 2023

Unlike Caco, Jack, Earl, or even my other friends from the motoring media, my driving experience with the Nissan Kicks e-POWER was very limited. I have heard great things about this crossover, but I have never had the chance to drive it extensively to really get a feel for it. This time, it’s a different story, and I can definitely say that I am now a true believer thanks to this Nissan pocket drive.

After a boastful dare with some of our close media friends to recreate the one-tank challenge with more cars and drivers, Nissan Philippines took us up on our offer. Our planning and excitement culminated in a journey of three Nissan Kicks VL models, each with three team members, and a promise to top up the tanks to the brim, starting from the same gas station and driving the Bataan loop - a route renowned for its twisty roads and breathtaking vistas. A route that I have mastered due to the amount of touge attacks I have done. So, let’s just say Earl and I were pretty smug and confident. That and our assigned Kicks were in the color orange, so we definitely had this one in the bag.

We set off, greeted by rainy Philippine weather, making our 6 a.m. meet-up time at Petron Marilao almost impossible. Our initial stop to refuel ourselves and the cars marked the beginning of a challenging yet exhilarating journey. Our teams gathered, huddled like sports players devising strategies and exchanging suspicious glances. Little did we know that camaraderie and fuel efficiency would soon be cast aside.

The drive itself began as a leisurely drive on the NLEX, a cautious approach aimed at optimal fuel economy, while a certain competitor drove at a snail's pace. Accusations of cheating were thrown around without any concrete proof. Nonetheless, we pressed on in the pouring rain, maintaining a decent speed and taking advantage of the draft from the car in front and the e-pedal brake regeneration system on the downhill stretches.

As we ventured further, playful banter and indecent proposals over the radio became the norm, much to the vast grins of the Nissan team accompanying our merry group of drivers. After a challenging stretch on NLEX due to unpredictable drivers staying in the fast and slow lanes, our road eventually led us to Petron Lakeshore, compromising our chances of reaching the breakfast stop before the supposed planned time.

After some heated exchanges, we reluctantly accelerated to 100 kph, hoping to make up for lost time. Our exit towards SCTEX bound for Subic introduced us to hilly terrain, typically challenging for hybrids, but the e-pedal brake regeneration system helped convert braking power into battery power. The drive was filled with camaraderie, rivalry, and, most importantly, a focus on fuel efficiency.

Upon arriving at Xtremely Xpresso in Subic for brunch, we were famished, but the Nissan Kicks remained frugal, having consumed just one bar of fuel from Petron Marilao to Subic. After refueling our stomachs and exchanging insults, we set off for Bataan, navigating the spiraling roads with care to avoid motion sickness for one of our passengers.

Our first major stop was the Japan-Philippines Friendship Tower, a symbolic pause given that we were driving Japanese technology in the Philippines. The tower allowed our travel-weary friend from the other group a chance to recover. We then ventured to a hidden gem, "Little Batanes," perched atop a hill with stunning views reminiscent of the English countryside. A sudden downpour forced us back into our cars, but it didn't diminish our sense of adventure.

We proceeded to our favorite part of the drive, the Bataan Loop, a driver's paradise filled with twisty roads and incredible scenery. The Nissan Kicks handled the twists with grace. Its smooth power delivery and decent handling made the journey enjoyable. Our fuel economy remained impressive at around 20 km/l. The open roads of Bataan provided us with a thrilling driving experience despite our need to keep a lookout for motion sickness-induced pit stops and vomiting passengers from the other group.

This time, time was of the essence (pun intended), so in agreement, the whole group threw our fuel-economy cards out the window and sped off to try and get to our accommodation as quickly as possible. It became clear that the competition had shifted from a fuel efficiency challenge to an "are we there yet?" scenario. We all longed for hot showers and comfortable beds, which we eventually got 12 hours after setting off that morning.

The next day, we set off to refuel at the Petron Gas Station in Clark Global City and determine the challenge winner. The results revealed that our team had bagged second place by the slimmest of margins, consuming only 20 liters of fuel for a near 400 km journey. We felt pretty bummed, but it was nothing compared to the enjoyment the Nissan Kicks gave us. It was a versatile vehicle, offering excellent fuel economy without compromising comfort and space, but it was still very dynamic and fun to drive in the twisties as well.

The revisit of the Nissan Kicks for our other friends of the motoring media left them in awe again, reinforcing its reputation as a practical and dynamic car. In my case, I was definitely impressed with how dynamic it drove, how comfortable it was, and how it sips fuel. It appeals to cost-conscious individuals and thrill-seekers, offering a perfect blend of economy and performance. Despite our differences, we agreed that the Nissan Kicks was as impressive as ever.

As our journey unfolded, we couldn't help but agree that the Nissan Kicks was a winner, a car that met the demands of modern drivers who sought practicality without sacrificing the joy of driving. Whether you're navigating twisty mountain roads or cruising on the highway, the Nissan Kicks stands out as a vehicle that delivers on its promise of being both economical and fun. So, as we conclude our journey, we celebrate the Nissan Kicks and its remarkable ability to keep us both economical and entertained on the road.