Having previously experienced the virtues of the all-new iteration of Nissan's distinctive take on hybrid mobility firsthand at the 47th Bangkok International Motor Show, we can say with confidence that this vehicle deserves the consideration of xEV (electrified vehicle) shoppers.

The Nissan Kicks e-Power, engineered and produced in Thailand specifically for the ASEAN market, uses an electric motor to drive the wheels, while a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) charges the battery of that motor — delivering a range anxiety-free experience. The ICE, a 1.2-liter DOHC 12-valve three-cylinder mill, does not move the wheels at all. The electric motor is paired with a 2.06-kWh lithium-ion battery, giving the driver access to a total system output of 136ps and 280Nm.

This series-hybrid configuration, which Nissan calls e-Power, sets the Kicks apart from both conventional parallel hybrids and battery-electric vehicles. Because the petrol engine serves purely as a generator, the driving feel is fully electric — instant torque and quiet operation — yet the vehicle refuels at any ordinary gas station, requiring no plug, charger, or dedicated parking infrastructure. That distinction is particularly relevant in markets like the Philippines, where public charging networks remain limited and consumers considering electrification often weigh the practicality of owning one.

Drivers also benefit from Nissan's e-Pedal Step feature, which essentially enables single-pedal operation. While maximizing regeneration of electricity into the battery during deceleration, e-Pedal allows the vehicle to slow down immediately once the throttle is released. Nissan said the feature makes it "easier to maintain distance, drive downhill, approach speed bumps, and enter corners with more confidence."

The new model marks a vast improvement in both style and substance over the first generation introduced in 2020. In an interview, Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) Product Marketing Assistant General Manager Sherwin Kuan said: "It continues with the e-Power system that we've introduced a couple of years back. There are some slight improvements to enhance the drivability, but you can still expect the same level of very good fuel efficiency of over around 22 to 25 kilometers per liter in real-world driving conditions." Those fuel economy figures are especially significant for Filipino buyers, as fuel prices in the country have historically been among the drivers of demand for electrified and small-displacement vehicles.

Not to be confused with the Kicks — a different product altogether — the all-new Nissan Kicks e-Power introduces a new design language that begins with a reworked version of the brand's signature V-Motion grille. This fresh take is said to assume a more "three-dimensional form," melding with the hood strakes into a cohesive shape that conveys confidence, heft, and presence, along with a more youthful vibe.

Inside, the vehicle is equipped with Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, "designed to support a comfortable seating position," and finished with anti-heat leather upholstery. Rear passengers benefit from an optimized seatback angle and a rear armrest, while the driver gets a six-way power-adjustable seat. The centerpiece of the cabin is a 12.3-inch display audio system featuring Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and NissanConnect Services with a three-year subscription.

The all-new Kicks e-Power also comes with a suite of ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) features under Nissan's proprietary ProPilot brand. "Designed to help reduce driving stress, particularly on highways and longer journeys, the system assists with steering, acceleration, and braking through features such as Intelligent Lane Keep Assist, which helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane; and Intelligent Cruise Control, which helps maintain a preset speed and safe distance from the vehicle ahead. In changing traffic conditions, ProPilot can also bring the vehicle to a stop and resume driving with its Traffic Jam Assist, helping make daily commutes and long drives more convenient," said Nissan. A range of other safety and driver-assistance technologies comes as standard.

"The Philippines is an important market for Nissan, and we are grateful for the trust Filipino customers continue to place in our brand," said Nissan Philippines President Yoshinori Kanazawa. "The All-New Nissan Kicks e-Power represents a new chapter for a nameplate that has become familiar to Filipino drivers."

Until Sept. 30, the Nissan Kicks e-Power carries introductory pricing as follows: VE (P1.499 million), VL (P1.649 million), and LE Plus (P1.749 million). For more information, visit

— Kap Maceda Aguila