CAR /
IMPRESSION
July 19, 2022
Test drive of Nissan's compact SUV, the Kicks—Unusually quiet, unusually smooth, and unusually fast for a compact SUV | NISSAN
Handling Like a Hatchback Despite Being an SUV
In addition to the enhanced motor, the second-generation e-POWER system features more precise motor control. It has also learned from the first generation's experience to optimize energy management, reducing the frequency of engine starts. Fewer engine starts naturally lead to increased quietness, which in turn enhances the car's premium feel.
During full-throttle acceleration, the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine spins at high RPMs with a "vroom" sound for power generation. Nevertheless, it is unusually quiet, smooth, and fast for a compact SUV with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. I believe this assessment is fair. As I approached a corner and braked around the 150 km/h mark on the speedometer, there was no instability in its straight-line performance. This is undoubtedly the benefit of 4WD on dry roads.
Unlike Atkinson cycle engines, the pleasant revving during full acceleration is also a positive factor. The smoothness of the drivetrain is due to the engine focusing solely on power generation. While those who enjoy the roar, vibration, and rock-and-roll feel of internal combustion engines might find it unusual, I believe the potential of e-POWER as a city commuter is limitless.
The ride comfort is also composed for a compact SUV, likely due to its substantial weight. Despite its height, the handling feels akin to a hatchback. This is probably because the heavy battery is mounted under the floor.
Given the limited space and time for this test drive, I will refrain from further comments. I also have not test-driven the pre-minor change Kicks.
Nevertheless, it is easy to imagine that the new Kicks has significantly enhanced its appeal as a compact SUV. After all, while the Note, released at the end of the same year (2020), featured the second-generation e-POWER, the Kicks initially used the older system and, unlike rivals like the Toyota Yaris Cross and Honda Vezel, was only available in FWD. Although the Kicks ranked 25th in the Japan Automobile Dealers Association's rankings by model name for passenger cars in January-June of this year, it is sure to make a strong comeback with this minor change.
In this era of diverse SUVs, Nissan aims to position the new Kicks, the upcoming X-Trail, and the all-electric Ariya as a trio of electric 4WD vehicles, marketing them as a unique value proposition against competitors. I look forward to Nissan's resurgence.
Nissan Kicks X Four Style Edition
- Overall Length x Width x Height | 4290 x 1760 x 1605 mm
- Wheelbase | 2620 mm
- Tread (Front/Rear) | 1520 / 1535 mm
- Minimum Ground Clearance | 170 mm
- Drivetrain | 4WD
- Curb Weight | 1755 kg
- Seating Capacity | 5 people
- Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut / Coil
- Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam / Coil
- Engine | 1198cc Inline 3-Cylinder DOHC (Bore x Stroke = 78.0 x 83.6 mm)
- Compression Ratio | 12.0
- Maximum Output | 60 kW (82 PS) / 6000 rpm
- Maximum Torque | 103 Nm / 4800 rpm
- Motor (Front) | EM47 Synchronous AC Motor
- Maximum Output | 100 kW (136 PS) / 3410–9697 rpm
- Maximum Torque | 280 Nm / 0–3410 rpm
- Main Drive Battery | Lithium-ion Battery
- Motor (Rear) | MM48 Synchronous AC Motor
- Maximum Output | 50 kW (48 PS) / 4775–10259 rpm
- Maximum Torque | 100 Nm / 0–4775 rpm
- Main Drive Battery | Lithium-ion Battery
- Brakes (Front) | Ventilated Discs
- Brakes (Rear) | Discs
- Tires (Front/Rear) | 205/55R17 91V
- Price | 3,281,300 yen
Inquiries
Nissan Customer Service Center
Tel. 0120-315-232 (9:00-17:00, excluding Dec 31-Jan 2)
http://www.nissan.co.jp/