The latest generation Nissan Kicks has made it to the automaker’s home market of Japan. It comes with something we don’t get in North America: a hybrid powertrain. Once again, North America doesn’t get the good stuff. Here, we only get a 2.0-liter inline-four paired to a CVT. That only makes 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. On the bright side, AWD is optional for the Kicks in North America.
Meanwhile, in Japan, the Nissan Kicks comes standard with the e-Power system. This series hybrid setup relies on the electric motor to move the vehicle. On the other hand, the gas engine works solely as a generator, creating electricity to power the small lithium-ion battery. In the JDM Kicks, the system features a 1.4-liter three-cylinder engine. It also has Nissan’s new 5-in-1 modular electric motor, which houses the motor, generator, inverter, reducer, and increaser. This results in a smaller, lighter, and more rigid setup. Together with the new engine, the latest e-Power is quieter and more efficient. Power output stands at 143 hp and 231 lb-ft of torque for the new motor.
That’s not all. Nissan also gave the JDM market Kicks a superior AWD setup. In addition to a single-motor FWD variant, it also offers AWD in the form of the e-4ORCE system. This adds a second electric motor on the rear axle, improving its traction, handling, and ride comfort. It also features a Snow mode for added grip in the slushy stuff. Additionally, the rear motor produces 68 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque.
So, when is North America getting the e-Power hybrid system? Later this year, it finally launches with the next-generation Rogue. The Kicks could follow with the same setup as the Japanese-market mode, but likely at a later date following the Rogue.
Source: Nissan
