Nissan Kicks: this discreet new hybrid SUV is a pleasant surprise

Eclipsed by the electric urban Pixo, the Nissan Kicks has its own identity, despite a technical relationship with Renault.

At Nissan, one novelty can hide another. While the small electric Pixo catches the eye, an announcement on September 16 went relatively unnoticed: the Kicks will land in Europe. This B-segment crossover will be manufactured in Sunderland, thanks to an investment of £170 million.

Its name remains little known here, but its international career is solid: over 1.8 million units sold in more than 70 markets. Nissan is expanding the territory of a model that has already found its audience.

Moreover, the Kicks is a genuine Nissan model. Unlike the Pixo and Micra, which are clearly derived from the Renault Twingo and electric R5, it has its own body and its own story. There is indeed a kinship with the Captur as both belong to the CMF-B technical family of the Alliance. However, sharing foundations does not mean offering the same car under two badges.

The Nissan e-POWER Touch

Because a true distinction can be found under the hood. The European Kicks will adopt the third generation of Nissan’s e‑POWER hybrid system. Only its electric motor drives the wheels; the gasoline engine generates electricity, with an onboard battery as a reserve. No charging station is necessary.

The goal is to offer smooth driving and an immediate response to the accelerator, while maintaining the simplicity of filling up with gasoline. However, European consumption figures are still to be revealed to concretely measure the appeal of this solution.

Its positioning seems wise: while the next Juke will become fully electric, the Kicks will maintain a hybrid option for drivers still hesitant to change their habits.

ALSO READ: Nissan Pixo electric: how far can you disguise a Renault Twingo?

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