Nissan has officially launched the all-new Nissan Kicks in Japan. Unlike the crossover launched in the Thai market which is a heavily facelifted first-generation model, this Japan Domestic Market (JDM) model is the second-generation all-new product that has already debuted in North America.
This design may have been made considering the North American market demand; Nissan pointed out that the new car's design inspiration comes from an American football helmet.
Borrowing Nissan Serena's bold design language, the second-generation Nissan Kicks significantly replaced the brand's signature V-Motion grille with a more modern, boxy, and rugged aesthetic style.
At the front, the front fascia features daytime running lights directly integrated into the horizontal grille bars. At the rear, the profile is defined by upright, geometric lines and unique taillights, which contrasts sharply with the softer, rounder lines of the first-generation model.
Stepping into the cabin, the second-generation Nissan Kicks interior is equipped with a 12.3-inch dual-screen display and features an infotainment system with built-in Google services. The brand's famous zero-gravity seats are now available not only for the front row but also extended to the outer rear seats. To perfect the cabin experience, the dashboard, center console, and door panels are wrapped in soft-touch materials such as synthetic leather and fabric.
Under the hood, the all-new Japanese-spec Kicks is equipped for the first time with the brand's third-generation e-POWER powertrain. A 1.4-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine serves solely as a generator to charge the battery and power the front-mounted drive motor, which delivers a maximum output of 143hp and a peak torque of 315Nm.
For comparison, the front drive motor equipped in the previous Nissan Kicks e-POWER powertrain could only produce 129hp and 280Nm of torque. Paired with it is a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine (82hp/103Nm), which also serves solely as a generator to charge the onboard 2.06kWh battery.
In addition, the new car also offers a model option equipped with the e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system. This version adds an extra drive motor to the rear axle, capable of outputting 68hp and 140Nm of torque.
All Nissan Kicks in the Japanese market come standard with an upgraded ProPILOT driver assistance suite. The Intelligent Around View Monitor now features a front wide-angle view, Invisible Hood view-through function, and 3D view function. To enhance side-rear safety, Nissan has also introduced functions such as Enhanced Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, Blind Spot Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
