Three shortcomings of the Nissan Kicks e-Power

Recently at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) 2024, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) marked its revival with the launch of the Nissan Kicks e-Power.

The Kicks e-Power for the Malaysian market will be fully imported (CBU) from Thailand. This means we are getting the facelifted version of the crossover, which was originally launched in that country four years ago.

Although it is not the freshest product on the market, the Kicks offers something new: the e-Power powertrain. It features an internal combustion engine, but unlike conventional hybrids, the petrol mill serves only as a generator.

The wheels are driven 100% by an electric motor at all times, allowing you to enjoy a driving experience that is almost akin to that of an electric vehicle (EV) without having to get in a fluster about charging.

This is indeed appealing and certainly helps improve fuel efficiency; however, during a recent media test drive, I found three shortcomings.

Outdated exterior design

As mentioned, the Kicks e-Power is actually a product that is somewhat aged. This is evident in its exterior design, which appears rather dated when compared to its closest competitors.

Don’t get me wrong; its appearance is not unattractive, but it lacks any elements that might make it stand out in a showroom.

However, as you may know, appearance, design, and related matters are subjective. Not everyone desires a car that is overly flashy—some prefer a more casual and understated look.

Underwhelming interior

The interior of the Kicks is neat and simple, but like its exterior, it is beginning to show its age.

This is because the layout is approximately 95% identical to that of the Almera’s but Kicks does come with a more sophisticated gear knob that feels somewhat awkward to use due to its shape.

Additionally, the use of hard plastic finishes on the dashboard and door panels detracts from the overall appeal of this car. The rear passenger space also feels somewhat cramped, despite the fact that its wheelbase is 5 mm longer than that of the HR-V.

Reasonably spacious boot, but…

The Kicks e-Power features a boot space that is quite generous, offering 423 litres of capacity. Unfortunately, lift the boot floor and you will not find any spare tyre. Instead, there is a tyre repair kit.

Was the decision to exclude a spare tyre made for cost or technical reasons? It is plausible that cost played a role, as the car market in Malaysia is generally quite price-sensitive so there’s a chance that ETCM may have taken this step to ensure that prices remain competitive.

Technical factors also make sense, as hybrid powertrains like e-Power involve additional components, and some of these components may encroach under the boot floor where spare tyres are usually found.