Due to COVID-19 this new car launch was done via online and with the Thai motoring and business press safely at home.
It looks like the Thailand automotive market continues to stay ahead of Malaysia as we move ever so slowly backwards with our ‘customised’ incentives that does not give a clear indication of what tax incentives are provided for auto manufacturers (unlike Thailand where it is written out clearly to avoid any form of corruption) to introduce new generation vehicles in the country and provide car buyers with better choices.
The Nissan Kicks compact crossover has just been unveiled in Thailand for sale at between RM120k to RM142k, This Japanese crossover was launched in India in January 2019 and it comes with styling that makes for a rival to the Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 in the competitive compact crossover segment arrives with the company’s new visual identity, in addition to becoming the company’s third model to use the e-Power hybrid system. The launch in Malaysia might happen in 2021 if all things go as planned.
The visual impact of the Nissan Kicks 2021 start with the new front grille, considerably larger than the previous one and with an evolution of the V-Motion style. It now comes very close to the edge of the large bumper and touches the headlights, which have also been redesigned to make them look slimmer. The lights are LED lamps with a daytime lighting system at the top.
This Nissan Kicks E-Power comes with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine is coupled to CVT automatic and an electric motor producing 129hp and 260Nm of torque. Nissan sources say the Kicks has an average fuel consumption of 23.4kpl and CO2 level of 100g/km. To recharge the batteries, the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with 79hp works exclusively as a generator.
The selling price of the Nissan Kicks in Thailand is from 889,000 to 1.049 million baht (Rm120,000 to RM142,000) which means that the Malaysians selling price will be a little less going by the current slightly higher pricing of Japanese vehicles in Thailand against the slightly lower pricing in Malaysia.
PRESS RELEASE: Overseen by Nissan’s Global Design Center in Japan, Nissan Kicks is the result of close collaboration between Nissan Design America (NDA), based in San Diego, and Nissan’s Rio de Janeiro satellite studio, Nissan Design America – Rio (NDA-R).
The robust design of Nissan Kicks, which helps give drivers the confidence to comfortably navigate the city, is reflected in its stance. The Kicks has a ground clearance of 7.0 inches, allowing it to tackle poorly maintained roads and speed bumps with ease, without having an adverse effect on the handling.
This Nissan Kicks also offers efficient packaging for urban adventure use. The rear hatch opens high enough for a six-foot tall person to access the cargo area without having to duck. Kicks easily accommodates five passengers comfortably, thanks in part to the flat rear floor design and rear headroom and legroom that is similar to that of larger crossovers.
An economical engine
This Nissan Kicks will probably arrive in Malaysia with a standard 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS). This engine is rated at 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a smooth, fuel-efficient Xtronic transmission, fuel economy is rated as best-in-class in all three segments: 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined. The Kicks will be offered in front-wheel drive only and possibly with two engine variants for Malaysia (the second engine variant being the 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor.
Kicks also offers standard Traction Control System (TCS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA), front disc/rear drum Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and electric power steering with a tight 34.1 foot turning radius. Kicks SR includes an Integrated Dynamic-Control Module (IDM), featuring Active Engine Brake, Active Trace Control and Active Ride Control, to help provide a higher level of driving enjoyment.
