The Nissan Kicks e-POWER gets its second generation model in Japan, and this is something we may be able to look forward to.
The Nissan Kicks may have arrived late to the party in Malaysia, but it’s clear that it has a lot of appeal with quite a number of this e-POWER crossover registered in the last year. Unfortunately, because the model arrived so late in its lifecycle here, the rest of the world has moved forward. Thailand has the facelifted version of our current model, the USA got a 2nd generation model without any e-POWER branding but now Japan shows their version of that 2nd generation model WITH a new e-POWER system under the hood. Here’s a simple breakdown of the Kicks globally:
- The Malaysia Specification (First-Gen P15 Baseline): Malaysia currently retails the first-generation (P15) Kicks e-POWER crossover. This model relies on a 1.2-litre (HR12DE) three-cylinder petrol engine operating strictly as a generator, paired with a second-generation e-POWER electric motor that sends 129 to 136 PS and 280 Nm of instant torque exclusively to the front wheels.
- The Thailand Specification (First-Gen P15 Facelift): Thailand recently commenced production on a heavily updated facelift of that same first-generation platform. While it retains the 1.2-litre engine and the 136 PS front-wheel-drive motor setup, it adopts an aggressive new exterior aesthetic alongside the localized debut of the ProPILOT advanced driving assistance suite.
- The USA Specification (Second-Gen P16 ICE Platform): Across the Atlantic, the United States market skips the hybrid layout entirely. The American-market Kicks utilizes a completely separate second-generation (P16) architecture driven by a traditional 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine (141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque) mated to an Xtronic CVT, available in either front-wheel drive or mechanical all-wheel drive.
So let’s explore what this 2nd gen e-POWER model brings.
The Main Reveal: Japan Debuts Next-Gen Kicks with 3rd-Gen e-POWER
The next-generation crossover brings two massive engineering breakthroughs to the Kicks nameplate: the first-ever implementation of a third-generation e-POWER hybrid system and the introduction of e-4ORCE electric all-wheel control technology.
Under the Hood: The 5-in-1 Powertrain Unit and e-4ORCE
At the mechanical heart of the Japanese-spec Kicks is a completely revised powertrain ecosystem. The model introduces a modular 5-in-1 e-POWER electric unit that integrates five core components—the electric motor, generator, inverter, reducer, and increaser—into a single, highly rigid package that sheds weight and reduces engine bay bulk.
Instead of the older 1.2-litre generator unit found in the Malaysian and Thai models, the next-gen Japanese Kicks steps up to a newly developed 1.4-litre dedicated power-generation engine (HR14DDe). This larger displacement allows the generator to run at lower, quieter RPMs while significantly boosting overall fuel efficiency. On front-wheel-drive variants, the electric drive motor pushes out a responsive 143 PS and 315 Nm of torque.
For the first time in the Kicks lineup, buyers can opt for e-4ORCE electric-drive all-wheel control. This dual-motor configuration adds a 68 PS rear-axle motor, integrating high-torque output with precise independent brake control to maximize cornering stability, neutralize body pitch, and conquer slick surfaces through a newly added, dedicated “Snow Mode”.
A Bold Exterior Paired with a “Zero Gravity” Interior Space
Visually, the Japanese-spec crossover adopts a bold, athletic stance featuring a wide horizontal front grille inspired by the silhouette of an American football helmet, complemented by integrated full-width rear taillights. Trim grades are visually separated by distinct exterior treatments; the flagship G variant receives a premium gloss black bumper treatment, while the X family sports a playful geometric dimple pattern inspired by the textured soles of modern sneakers.
Inside, the cabin is designed as an open, premium “third space” wrapped in soft-touch synthetic leather and tailored fabrics. Key cabin highlights include:
- Class-leading rear-seat width, knee room, and headroom.
- Fatigue-reducing Zero Gravity seats equipped as standard for both front and rear outboard occupants.
- An advanced dual 12.3-inch integrated display interface running the NissanConnect infotainment system with built-in Google services.
- A brand-new premium exterior paint shade called “Resonance Blue,” developed specifically to highlight the clean nature of the e-POWER lineup.
Comprehensive 360° Safety Assist Expansion
Safety tech receives a massive generational upgrade under the standard 360° Safety Assist umbrella. While ProPILOT adaptive driving assistance is standard across all variations, the Intelligent Around View Monitor gains advanced situational awareness features like Front Wide View, 3D View, and an innovative Invisible Hood View to help drivers spot obstacles obscured by the front bodywork.
Furthermore, the Intelligent Emergency Braking system has been reprogrammed to detect crossing traffic and oncoming vehicles at complex intersections, backed up by active safety shields including Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (I-BSI) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
In Japan, the all-new Kicks starts at 2,999,700 yen for the base 2WD X Simple Package and tops out at 4,248,200 yen for the range-topping G e-4ORCE variant. Given that the ASEAN region has only recently stabilized its first-generation lifecycle updates, this highly advanced, dual-motor Japanese masterpiece gives global enthusiasts an exciting look at where Nissan’s urban electrification strategy is headed next.
