Oh look, it’s the teased-in-Malaysia-but-not-here-yet 2022 Nissan Kicks e-Power hybrid! It’s just been launched in Vietnam, making the little SUV’s presence slightly greater in South East Asia. Prices for it start at VND 789 million (~RM 150,500) to VND 858 million (~RM 163,200), imported (CBU) from Thailand.
Set to take on the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos in the country, Nissan Vietnam’s introduced two variants of the Kicks e-Power there, the E and V. It’s also got the honour of being the first hybrid model in its segment there.
Also read: Pros and Cons: 2022 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS, is it better than the Corolla Cross Hybrid?
The main draw of the Kicks e-Power is its, uh, e-Power full-hybrid powertrain. Claimed fuel efficiency for this is a ridiculous 2.2-litres/100 km, something we think the Vietnamese will be pleased about because RON 95 is around RM 4.60 there now.
For what it’s worth we think this number isn’t pulled out of thin air – we drove the Nissan Note e-Power here before, and it scored 2.8-litres/100 km.
Unlike the Honda e:HEV and Toyota Hybrid System (THS) series-parallel systems, the e-Power is a full-hybrid. Meaning the engine doesn’t drive the wheels, only used as a generator to charge the high voltage (HV) battery. In series-parallel hybrids, the engine can both drive the wheels and charge the HV battery.
Also read: Why it’s difficult for ETCM to offer the Nissan Note e-Power in Malaysia
Paired to the Kicks’ electric motor is a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, capable of 134 PS and 280 Nm of torque. In terms of overall package it gets e-Pedal step (the single-pedal driving mode), and the safety suite encapsulates 360-degree cameras, 6 airbags, and traction control.
Exterior kit includes full-LED lighting, 17-inch wheels, and 6 colour choices, while the interior gets Zero Gravity seats, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and an Android Auto- and Apple CarPlay-ready headunit.
As for the Nissan Kicks e-Power’s future in Malaysia, it hangs in the balance. We’ve been writing about it since 2020, and while Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) themselves have teased it in their 2021 Chinese New Year ad…another year goes by without it here. Maybe next year, or maybe even never, but you’ll hear about it here first.
Also read: 2022 Nissan Kicks e-Power is heading to Malaysia, teased in ETCM ad
Source: Vietnam launches Nissan Kicks e-Power hybrid; 2.2L/100 km, price equals to RM 150k
