Nissan Philippines has finally revealed the pricing of the 2023 Nissan Kicks.

Nissan Kicks EL e-Power AT

 Php 1,209,000

Nissan Kicks VE e-Power AT

 Php 1,309,000

Nissan Kicks VL e-Power AT

 Php 1,509,000

After weeks of teasing the press with test drives, the Nissan Kicks will finally have a go against the likes of the Geely Coolray, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3, and the MG ZS starting August 12th. But unlike its peers, the Nissan Kicks comes with the brand's proprietary hybrid e-Power technology.

What is e-Power?

Simply put, the e-Power system in the Nissan Kicks mimics the drive of a battery electric vehicle while having a low displacement gasoline engine powering an electric generator to charge the Kicks' batteries. Lifting off the accelerator pedal initiates regenerative braking as well.

So yes, the wheels are driven by a battery-powered electric motor like an EV, but there is still a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine upfront that runs on gasoline to keep the high-voltage 2.06 kWh battery pack topped-up. And no, the engine does not play a direct role in turning the wheels, but you still have to visit a gas station from time to time.  At least there is no need to plug the car for the batteries to charge.

Is it fuel-efficient?

This hybrid package translates to fuel economy figures projected by Nissan Philippines to be in the 23 km/l range in combined city and highway driving. And that is with 136 ps and diesel engine-like 280 Nm of pulling power. 

Specs that matter

All variants of the Nissan Kicks will have four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch wheels, cruise control,  a 7-inch TFT driving display, automatic air-conditioning, push-button start, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold. The mid-range VE and the top-tier VL get LED DRLs, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 6 speakers as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. And safety-wise, 6 airbags surround passengers in the VE and VL range.

Nissan Philippines dealers are now accepting reservations for the Kicks. The official launch date and sales releases will begin on the 12th of August. 

Are you willing to get a taste of EV-like hybrid driving with Nissan's latest small crossover offering? Or will you go all the way and wait for true battery EVs to make their way into the market?