The e-Power of Kicks
Although Chinese automakers have been hogging the local spotlight for new-energy vehicles, there is one Japanese car company that has already established a notable foothold in this segment.
First launched locally in 2022, the Nissan Kicks e-POWER gained a strong following for combining crossover practicality with groundbreaking electrified performance and fuel economy. And with fuel prices hovering above P70 a liter as of press time, the capabilities of this versatile vehicle seem needed now more than ever.
This is likely why Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) officially launched the latest Kicks e-POWER on Friday at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City – multiple variants will be on display there until Aug. 30, 2026 as part of the Nissan Intelligent Mobility Tour, which also includes test-drive activities of the entire NPI lineup.
Three Kicks e-POWER variants are available, starting with the VE, followed by the VL and the range-topping LE Plus. Alongside these is the “Kicks by Quiccs,” an artistic interpretation by Filipino contemporary artist and Nissan enthusiast Quiccs as part of a collaboration that builds on Nissan’s ongoing partnership with the artist.
“The Philippines is an important market for Nissan, and we are grateful for the trust Filipino customers continue to place in our brand,” said NPI president Yoshinori Kanazawa in a press statement.
“The All-New Nissan Kicks e‑POWER represents a new chapter for a nameplate that has become familiar to Filipino drivers,” he added. “We are excited to introduce this new generation and invite customers to discover the new Nissan Kicks that are made for those who are ready to explore and Live Daring.”
Sharper styling
The latest Kicks e-POWER carries over the much-lauded platform of the previous model, but gets a significantly revised design.
Gone are the big headlights and curvy panels, replaced with thin LED headlights that flank Nissan’s aggressive and minimalist V-Motion front grill. Meanwhile, the eye-catching triple-arrow LED daytime-running lights balance out the large lower grill.
Out back, the wraparound halogen taillights have been succeeded by thinner LED hexagonal clusters that are connected by black tailgate trim, while the license plate has been moved down to the bumper. Four exterior colors are available, namely Aquamarine Metallic, Gun Metallic, Pearl White and Moon Pearl Gray.
Snazzier interior
Inside, the revised Kicks e-POWER features notable tweaks that give it a fresher look against the Chinese competition.
The top-spec LE Plus is the only one that gets the very attractive Moonstone and blue color combination, plus anti-heat leather upholstery and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat – all other variants get black upholstery. The latest Kicks e-POWER also gets Nissan’s superb Zero Gravity seats that promise excellent support.
Finally, the infotainment system has been updated with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Happily, it retains separate physical controls for the air-conditioner.
e-POWER punch
Unlike many Japanese hybrid-electric vehicles, the Kicks e-POWER is a series hybrid.
This means the 1.2-liter, twin-cam, 12-valve, inline-3 gasoline engine does not propel this crossover in any way – it simply serves as a generator that charges the battery pack, which conversely powers the electric motor that is connected to the front wheels. Combined output is 134 horsepower and 280 Newton-meters of torque.
Something else that moves the latest Kicks e-POWER to the modern age is the Nissan ProPILOT active-safety suite. This offers life-saving features like Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning with Blind Spot Intervention and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking.
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NPI said customers can also enjoy exclusive launch offers, including a complimentary one-year Nissan Protect+ package covering prepaid maintenance with genuine Nissan oil, parts and servicing.
The revised Nissan Kicks e-POWER starts at P1,499,000 for the VE, then goes up to P1,649,000 for the VL and tops out at P1,749,000 for the LE Plus. This puts it in the firing line of Japanese hybrid-electric subcompact crossovers like the P1,610,000 Toyota Yaris Cross HEV and the P1,799,000 Honda HR-V RS e:HEV.
However, it is undercut by the similarly equipped BYD Atto 2 DM-i Premium at P1,258,000, which also features a plug-in powerplant that promises over 1,300 kilometers of range on one full tank and one full charge.
The Kicks e-POWER helped kick off accessible electrification in the Philippines. But with new looks and a heavier pricetag, can it still “kick it” with the latest from The People’s Republic?
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