2020 Nissan Kicks e-power officially launched in Thailand

Nissan has finally launched the all-new 2020 Nissan Kicks e-power in Thailand. The new subcompact crossover comes with a new front face and the Japanese brand’s new e-power technology. The new crossover is set to go up against the likes of the Ford Ecosport, Geely Coolray, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Kona but with an electrifying twist.

Compared to the pre-facelifted model the 2020 version comes with significant changes. At the front, the new crossover comes with much sleeker and longer looking headlights and new taillights. Along with the new headlights the vehicle also features the Japanese brand’s signature V-motion grille. In order to fit in the new face, the vehicle’s front and rear bumpers have also gotten a rework. The front bumper now gets new corner intakes while the rear sports the crossover’s body color and comes with a new rear diffuser. Topping off the update, the 2020 Kicks also gets a new set of wheels as well.

On the inside, the 2020 Nissan Kicks comes with a two-tone interior which is color-matched to the vehicle’s paint job. On top of this, the crossover also gets a new set of gauges in order to reflect its predominantly electric hybrid power plant. It is important to note that the Kicks is sold in other markets and as such. Only the e-power model gets the unique gauge cluster. Similar to that of the Nissan LEAF the electric crossover comes with a power meter instead of a tachometer further emphasizing that it has an electric motor. As for the layout of the cabin, it remains the same as the pre-facelift model with just minor updates done to its interior trim pieces.

With the new Kicks comes Nissan’s e-power system. The hybrid system allows the crossover to predominantly run on electric power and function as a normal parallel hybrid. This means that the vehicle will be utilizing its electric motors as its main driving source while the engine will act as a generator when the batteries run low or as a booster when more power is needed. Adding to the vehicle’s electric drivetrain system is Nissan’s e-Pedal which allows for one-pedal driving. It gives the Kicks the ability to brake as soon as you let go of the accelerator. It is important to note that electric vehicles normally do not have coasting functions as the regenerative braking kicks-in – pun intended to charge the batteries. The crossover does come with a 1.2-liter gasoline generator that together with the electric motors produces 127hp and 260 Nm of torque.

Along with the e-power system, the 2020 Kicks also comes with Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility safety system. It gives the vehicle intelligent cruise control, intelligent forward collision warning, intelligent emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent around-view monitor with moving object detection, and intelligent rearview mirror. With such smart (pun intended) features it's no wonder the Kicks was able to get a 5-star rating for both the European and Australian New Car Assessment Programs (NCAP).

Nissan Philippines has not released an official statement with regards to it bringing in the Nissan Kicks e-power into the country and its pricing. However, the brand has stated that it would be bringing in its LEAF EV into the local automotive market. With that in mind, it could pave the way for the Kicks to enter the market as an EV if the Japanese brand does not opt to bring in the facelifted Juke.