Nissan e-Power to Debut in Malaysia: Kicks Arriving in Q4 2024.
Nissan has officially confirmed that its e-Power hybrid technology will soon be available in Malaysia. The first model is set to launch in the fourth quarter of this year, with more models expected in the future.
For those unfamiliar, Nissan’s e-Power technology operates similarly to Honda’s e:HEV system. In this setup, the car is driven by an electric motor, while the engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery. However, unlike traditional hybrids, the engine doesn’t connect directly to the wheels, meaning it can’t drive the car by itself.
Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the distributor, invited media representatives to test the updated first-generation Kicks e-Power. This model, which was shown at this year's Malaysia Autoshow, has a 129 PS/280 Nm electric motor powered by a 82 PS/103 Nm 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and a 2.06 kWh battery. It can go from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and has a fuel efficiency of 21.7 km per liter.
Nissan has not yet confirmed whether the Kicks will be sold in Malaysia, but the model is getting old, with a new version already launched in the US. To compete with the Honda HR-V eHEV and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, as well as strong competition from Chinese petrol and electric cars, it will need to be priced competitively.
Additionally, Nissan appears to be preparing for the launch of the C28 Serena, which was seen testing in Malaysia as early as March last year. This model has a more powerful electric motor with 163 PS and 315 Nm, along with a larger 1.4-liter petrol engine that produces 98 PS and 123 Nm, plus a 1.77 kWh battery.
27 Sep 2024
