Nissan Kicks e-Power for Japan gets electric 4WD

It won't be long before Nissan Philippines Inc (NPI) officially launches the all-new Kicks e-Power. Set to become the brand's latest electrified model, the B-segment crossover promises to deliver EV-like driving without the range anxiety associated with typical battery electric vehicles (BEVs) thanks to a 1.2-liter gasoline engine that serves as a generator for the battery.

With its official debut slated for next month, Nissan is already generating buzz for those looking at a fuel-efficient crossover that will deliver an EV-like driving experience. Over in Japan, however, Nissan has launched an even more powerful version of the Kicks e-Power.

While it may look just like the Kicks e-Power we'll be getting this August, the model recently revealed for Japan has not one but two electric motors. That's right, the crossover is now available with the optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system. This means that aside from having an electric motor at the front producing 136 PS with 280 Nm of torque, it also has a rear electric motor that doles out 68 PS and 100 Nm of torque.

The result is faster acceleration and improved handling and grip thanks to the pair of electric motors providing AWD traction. In addition, Nissan says that the AWD setup ensures driving comfort on city roads, easier cornering on winding roads, and overall better grip, especially during snowy or slippery road conditions.

Aside from having a new AWD system, the Kicks e-Power now comes with the second-generation e-Power system. Nissan claims that the motor has 5% greater power and 7% higher maximum torque which results in a more exhilarating driving experience. The automaker was also able to improve its fuel efficiency, stating that it can now easily achieve 23.0 km/l. Even cabin quietness was also refined after Nissan reduced engine-start frequency at low speeds.

When it comes to safety, the Kicks e-Power for Japan comes with intelligent driver aids. All variants come with Intelligent Forward Collision Warning which can alert the driver as well as provide collision avoidance support when needed. Also available are the intelligent around-view monitor and the intelligent rearview mirror that serves as the vehicle's extra pair of eyes.

With the Kicks e-Power 4WD now in Japan, could it also make its way to other markets? For now, the Kicks e-Power we're getting comes from Thailand, which only uses a 2WD setup. However, if Thailand adopts the 4WD, then there's a possibility that we could also have it. But then again, that would mean a higher price tag, and we're yet to see how competitive the 2WD Kicks e-Power will be, price-wise. Let's keep an eye on this one.