Nissan Kicks e-Power coming soon – arrival of hybrid crossover hinted by Bayan Lepas, Penang dealer

Following confirmation by local Nissan distributor, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) that the Nissan e-Power hybrid drive technology will be coming to Malaysia, the Facebook page of a Bayan Lepas, Penang-based sales consultant has also indicated that the Nissan Kicks e-Power is coming soon to the local dealer network.

Edaran Tan Chong Motor has stated towards the end of last month that the e-Power hybrid model will be launched in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of this year. The Kicks e-Power employs a 129 PS/280 Nm electric motor that is mated with a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder unit that serves as a generator – there is no mechanical driveline connection to the driven wheels – and feeds a 2.06 kWh battery.

Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is quoted at 9.5 seconds, with a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 21.7 km per litre. The Malaysian arrival of the Nissan Kicks e-Power will bring it into a hybrid SUV field occupied by the likes of the Honda HR-V e:HEV and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, in addition to the growing presence of Chinese ICE and EV entrants.

Nissan Kicks e-Power coming soon – arrival of hybrid crossover hinted by Bayan Lepas, Penang dealer

Followers of the model will note that this is the first-generation model which is nearing the end of its lifecycle, as a new, second-generation model has been unveiled for the US market in March this year.

Further along the product pipeline, the indication that there will be more e-Power models to be introduced later on hints that Nissan is also preparing for the launch of the C28-generation Serena, which has been sighted testing in Malaysia.

This e-Power equipped MPV packs a 163 PS/315 Nm electric motor, with power generation coming from a 98 PS/123 Nm 1.4 litre HR14DDe naturally-aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine that charges the 1.77 kWh battery. As with the setup in the Kicks, there is no mechanical connection from the petrol engine to the driven wheels in the Serena.

GALLERY: Nissan Kicks e-Power in Malaysia

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.