Facelifted 2021 Nissan Kicks e-Power Debuts In Thailand With Electrified Powertrain

Nissan has freshened up its Kicks subcompact SUV with a mild makeover and tech upgrade following its introduction in 2016.

The Japanese automaker decided to launch the 2021 Kicks in Thailand as it’s built there for markets in southeast Asia. In the region, the refreshed Nissan Kicks will be sold exclusively with the e-Power electrified powertrain. This makes Thailand the first country to produce Nissan’s e-Power tech outside of Japan.

Nissan’s e-Power technology brings a fully electric motor drive, meaning that the wheels are only driven by the motor. Power from a 1.57 kWh lithium-ion battery is delivered to the e-Power compact powertrain which includes a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline range extender and an EM57 motor, power generator and inverter.

See Also: 2020 Nissan Kicks Gains More Safety Kit As Standard, Keeps Sub-$20k Starting Price

The combined maximum power is 129 PS (127 HP / 95 kW) while peak torque is 260 Nm (192 lb-ft). Delivering a ‘one-pedal’ driving experience similar to an EV, the Nissan Kicks e-Power is pitched as a technical bridge for Thai customers towards EV adoption.

When extra acceleration is required, the electric motor is powered by both the battery and the ICE. During deceleration, the gasoline engine stops running and regenerative power is used to charge the battery until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. The Kicks e-Power offers four driving modes: Normal, S (quicker acceleration and braking), Eco (saves gasoline) and EV (uses battery power only with the petrol engine shut down).

When it comes to styling, the 2021 Nissan Kicks e-Power adopts a revised appearance courtesy of slimmer LED headlights with boomerang-shaped LED DRLs and turning signals, larger V-Motion grille, and revised LED taillights. Customers can choose from six colors, four of which can be combined with an optional black roof.

Inside, the facelifted Nissan Kicks e-Power receives new ‘Gliding Wing’ instrument panel design, 7.0-inch central display (8.0-inch as an option), steering wheel and seats. Exclusively for the range-topping VL trim level, Nissan offers a two-tone black and orange interior scheme.

On the tech front, the Kicks e-Power boasts no fewer than 14 driver assistance systems. Those include Intelligent Driving, 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 Rear View Mirror.

Deliveries in Thailand begin in June, with prices starting from 889,000 baht ($27,730).