Verdict
The Honda WR-V costs RM89,900 to the Nissan Kicks e-Power’s RM113,800, so the RM23,900 gap is substantial. Nissan answers with 136 hp and 280 Nm from its electric motor, a 9.5-second 0-100 km/h time, a 423-litre boot and 2,673-mm wheelbase. The Honda’s 1.5-litre petrol engine makes 121 hp and 145 Nm, takes 11.0 seconds to 100 km/h, and brings 380 litres of luggage space over a 2,485-mm wheelbase. The WR-V is the cheaper, more compact choice; the Kicks gives a family more space and stronger acceleration.
Pick the Honda WR-V if RM23,900 saved, a 4,060-mm body and Honda Sensing lane steering correction matter more than outright pace and cabin space.
Pick the Nissan Kicks e-Power if you want 136 hp, 280 Nm, a 9.5-second 0-100 km/h time and the larger 423-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Honda WR-V RM89,900; Nissan Kicks e-Power RM113,800.
- Power and torque: WR-V 121 hp and 145 Nm; Kicks e-Power motor 136 hp and 280 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: WR-V 11.0 seconds; Kicks e-Power 9.5 seconds.
- Length: WR-V 4,060 mm; Kicks e-Power 4,384 mm.
- Wheelbase: WR-V 2,485 mm; Kicks e-Power 2,673 mm.
- Boot space: WR-V 380 litres; Kicks e-Power 423 litres.
WR-V
- RM23,900 lower purchase price.
- Honda Sensing includes steering correction for lane keeping and blind spot information.
- Rated fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km.
- Slower 11.0-second 0-100 km/h time versus 9.5 seconds.
- Smaller 380-litre boot and 2,485-mm wheelbase.
- Rear drum brakes; the Kicks e-Power has solid rear discs.
Kicks e-Power
- Electric motor produces 136 hp and 280 Nm.
- 423-litre boot and 2,673-mm wheelbase.
- LED reflector headlamps, automatic climate control and six-speaker audio.
- Costs RM23,900 more.
- No blind spot information system or lane-keeping steering correction.
- Five-year warranty is capped at 100,000 km, versus unlimited mileage for the WR-V.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 89,900✓ | RM 113,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 12-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,198 cc |
| Horsepower | 121 hp✓ | 82 hp |
| Torque | 145 Nm✓ | 103 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 73 mm | 78 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 12 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 136 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 280 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 2.1 kWh |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | CVT | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 11.0 seconds | 9.5 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 6.0 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h✓ | 21.7 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,060 mm | 4,384 mm |
| Width | 1,780 mm | 1,813 mm |
| Height | 1,576 mm | 1,610 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,485 mm | 2,673 mm |
| Weight | 1,108 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 40 litres | 41 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 380 litres | 423 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R16 | 205/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 205/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | 16" Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | — | Yokohama BluEarth E70 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Drum | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side | Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three Point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | — | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front |
| Audio | 7.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 2 Speakers | 7" Touchscreen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | — | All Four Windows, Driver Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | — | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Multi-angle | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | Free Labour for Five Times within 100,000 km or Five Years | 8 Years/ 160,000 km Warranty for EV Battery |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 120 | RM 85✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
WR-V vs Kicks e-Power FAQ
Is the Honda WR-V or Nissan Kicks e-Power better?
The Kicks e-Power is better for performance and space, with 136 hp, 280 Nm, a 9.5-second sprint and 423-litre boot. The WR-V is better for keeping purchase costs down and has blind spot information plus lane steering correction.
What is the price difference?
The Nissan Kicks e-Power costs RM23,900 more than the Honda WR-V: RM113,800 against RM89,900.
Which one has more passenger and luggage space?
The Nissan Kicks e-Power has the roomier packaging on paper, with a 2,673-mm wheelbase and 423-litre boot. The Honda WR-V measures 2,485 mm between the axles and has a 380-litre boot.