Nissan's compact SUV, the Kicks, receives its first minor change, now featuring the second-generation e-POWER system, similar to the Note. Motor journalist Naoki Imao takes it for an immediate test drive.

The Nissan Kicks, a compact SUV introduced in Japan in June 2020, has undergone its first minor change and was released on July 17.

There are three main points. First, the e-POWER system has been upgraded to the second generation. It uses the same powertrain as the Note, which was released at the end of 2020 and is currently selling well. Concurrently, the Kicks, previously only available in front-wheel drive (FWD), now offers all-wheel drive (4WD) using the e-4WD system from the Note.

Second, the interior quality has been improved. This enhancement is a response to public feedback, with a redesigned center console and the availability of sophisticated beige and brown color schemes.

Third, safety features have been enhanced, with the class-first Predictive Forward Collision Warning system now standard on all models.

Despite these improvements, Nissan claims the price for the 2WD model has only increased by 38,000 yen, keeping it affordable.

Therefore, ahead of the new Kicks' launch, I had the opportunity to test drive the top-tier "X FOUR Style Edition" 4WD model at Nissan's Grand Live test facility within the Oppama proving ground. The "Style Edition" features a stylish interior with a two-tone combination of brown and black synthetic leather for the seat upholstery and trim. The synthetic leather is accented with double stitching, and upon opening the door, a sophisticated ambiance unfolds. The shift lever is the same type as found in the current Note.

Immediately, I attempted a full-throttle acceleration from a long straight to check its performance. "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" I, not entirely accustomed to Nissan's e-POWER, was taken aback by the acceleration delivered by the motor's immense torque.

The second-generation e-POWER system uses the same 1,198cc inline three-cylinder engine for power generation. This naturally aspirated engine, with its high compression ratio of 12.0, produces a maximum output of 60 kW (82 PS) at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 103 Nm at 4800 rpm.

However, the motor itself is more powerful. The maximum output has increased from 95 kW (129 PS) at 4000-8992 rpm in the pre-minor change model to 100 kW (136 PS) at 3410-9697 rpm, and the maximum torque has increased from 260 Nm at 500-3008 rpm to 280 Nm at 0-3410 rpm.

Furthermore, the test vehicle is a 4WD model. It is equipped with a rear-drive motor. This rear motor boasts a maximum output of 50 kW (68 PS) at 4775-10259 rpm and 100 Nm at 0-4775 rpm. For comparison, the Toyota Yaris Cross E-Four's rear motor offers 3.9 kW (5.3 PS) and 52 Nm. The Kicks' rear motor is more than ten times more powerful and twice as torquey.

The Yaris Cross weighs 1,250 kg, while the Kicks weighs 1,755 kg—a difference of approximately 500 kg. While a direct comparison isn't feasible, it's worth noting that the Kicks' rear motor is not inferior to the 40 kW (54 PS) and 121 Nm rear motor found in the larger RAV4 E-Four.