PETALING JAYA: Like many Malaysian drivers, finance analyst Irene Cho had never been behind the wheel of an electrified vehicle before. When she heard, however, that the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER electrified compact SUV had hit the local market in December, she decided to check it out.
Stopping by an Edaran Tan Chong Motors outlet, Cho gave the vehicle a test drive – and fell in love with it immediately.
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“It felt very powerful, and the price was reasonable, so I decided to take it. I’m involved with an NGO, and just a few days after getting the car, I had to go from Kuala Lumpur to Perlis for a project. I had a very, very good drive!” Cho told FMT Lifestyle.
Equipped with Nissan’s second-generation e-POWER system, this new SUV offers a thrilling and efficient drive, perfect for those trying out electric mobility for the first time.
The revolutionary new vehicle combines style and sustainability, offering drivers remarkable 21.7km/l fuel efficiency at estimated distances of 900km per full tank.
The vehicle is fully electric-motor-driven, with a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder engine that acts as a generator for its lithium-ion battery. This means the Nissan KICKS e-POWER never needs to be charged externally.
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Its innovative e-Pedal Step also allows drivers to accelerate and decelerate with a single pedal, with a unique regenerative braking system employed to help charge its battery.
All this equates to a smoother driving experience – something Christiansen Ng has definitely been enjoying. The KL-based banker revealed that the Nissan KICKS e-POWER’s pleasant handling once helped him stay cool-headed through a five-hour traffic jam during the festive season.
“It goes very smoothly around corners. With previous cars, my mother used to get motion sickness. But with this car, she doesn’t,” Ng shared.
Both Cho and Ng expressed admiration over how silent the Nissan KICKS e-POWER is. Even at highway speeds, the vehicle seems engineered for serenity, gliding like a cloud over most types of terrain. This is thanks to an extensive use of insulative materials in its engine system.
They also liked having the option to switch between multiple driving modes – ECO, SPORT, STANDARD, and EV – each subtly shifting how the car behaves. It’s not just about performance, but about giving the driver a bit more say in how the journey unfolds.
Road safety is also a top priority for car buyers today, and this demand is clearly reflected in the design of the Nissan KICKS e-POWER. The stylish vehicle comes with a plethora of advanced safety features aimed to provide users with peace of mind.
The Nissan KICKS e-POWER boasts a five-star Asean NCAP rating, the highest level of safety evaluation. This is thanks to features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, Intelligent Driver Awareness, Blind Spot Warning, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.
“I like Nissan’s 360˚Safety Technology,” Ng said. “There were times when there were cars that braked unexpectedly in front of me, and it was lucky I had the Autonomous Braking System. It started beeping to warn me. I’m very happy because it helped prevent what could have been an accident.”
As for Cho, her favourite feature is the Intelligent Rear View Mirror. This mounted 2MP camera with a high-resolution display offers drivers wide, reflection-free views of what’s behind the vehicle through clear, flicker-free images.
“I find this very useful when going down Malaysian highways; it helps me prepare for the unpredictable. With this mirror, I can see what’s behind me very clearly. It helps me feel safer,” Cho said.
Other highlights include its 7-inch (17.8cm) full-colour driver instrument display, a D-shaped flat-bottom steering wheel with multifunction controls, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch (20.3cm) touchscreen offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The Nissan KICKS e-POWER comes in two variants: VL and VLT. Colour options are Brilliant White Pearl, Sunrise Orange, Red Pearl, Brilliant Silver and Black Star.
For those looking to make a bolder statement, the VLT variant adds a touch of flair with two-tone options featuring a Super Black roof, along with an exclusive Dark Metal Grey body colour.
Prices begin at RM113,800, making this a compelling entry point into the world of electrified driving with a sporty edge.
