It’s been the worst-kept secret in the local automotive scene for a while now, but Nissan has confirmed that its e-Power hybrid technology is finally coming to Malaysia. The company will launch its first such model in the fourth quarter of the year, with more tipped to be introduced later on.
For the uninitiated, Nissan’s e-Power technology works in a broadly similar fashion to Honda’s e:HEV system, whereby the car is driven by an electric motor, with the engine functioning as a generator to charge the battery. One difference is that there is no mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels, so the former can’t drive the latter on its own.
Distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) invited several members of the media to test out the facelifted first-generation Kicks e-Power – the same one that was shown at this year’s Malaysia Autoshow. That car utilises a 129 PS/280 Nm electric motor that’s juiced by a 82 PS/103 Nm HR12DE 1.2 litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder mill, plus a 2.06 kWh battery. It gets from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and delivers a combined fuel consumption figure of 21.7 km per litre.
Nissan hasn’t confirmed if the Kicks is coming here, but the car is at the end of its lifecycle, with a new second-gen model already launched in the US. It will have to be quite competitively priced if it’s to stand any chance against the Honda HR-V e:HEV and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, to say nothing of the fierce Chinese petrol- and electric-powered competition.
Nissan is also expected to be gearing up for the launch of the C28 Serena, which has been caught testing in Malaysia as early as March last year. That car uses a more powerful 163 PS/315 Nm electric motor and a larger 98 PS/123 Nm 1.4 litre HR14DDe petrol engine, plus a 1.77 kWh battery.
GALLERY: Nissan Kicks e-Power in Malaysia
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Pls bring all new kicks 2025 model, this one already outdated
ah chong is so slow
It’s gonna be a few more years before TCM launch a new Nissan model. By then other country already move on to a new gen. I love u T
even USA not yet get the Nissan 1.2EV nor 1.4EV
it’s not Tan Chong’s problem
Nissan already launched the next gen Kicks in other market but we are only receiving the previous outdated version now.. wth Tan Chong :(
Even the Indian version of Nissan Kicks is different compared to the new US version and NICER than our Kicks e-Power lah :P
When the rest of the world is getting ready to receive the latest model, over here in Bolehland, we are stuck with the left overs. Even the latest X Trail model has been out for 2 years now in other parts of the world, we are still waiting and waiting. :(
isn’t this the same powertrain on the ativa hybrid’s e-smart system? heard it will appear on the next gen myvi
whenever i read anything about Tan Chong, i can’t help it and find them extremely funny. Whatever brands under them will not perform.
Lol…well said. Mr. T is primarily bringing in old stuff here. Price also not attractive. Keep on pushing body kits / slap ons. Sigh.
Driven by an electric motor, charged by a 1.2L ICE. An ICEV. I wonder which road tax system applies to this.
Ice road tax