TEST DRIVE: NISSAN KICKS E-POWER

The Nissan Kicks e-Power is billed as offering the best of both worlds, as it utilizes both gasoline and electricity to achieve excellent driving performance with outstanding fuel efficiency. An electric vehicle running on gasoline? How does it work?

- MARIBELLE ALBA

DESIGN 3.5/5

A subcompact crossover SUV, the Nissan Kicks e-Power exudes a modern and sporty look with smooth lines flowing from the headlights to the taillights. From a frontal perspective, what stands out are the V-motion grille and boomerang-headlights. Its two-tone color scheme creates a floating roof illusion, for a distinctive silhouette. 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels complete the overall package. Except for the e-Power badge on the rear, it does not call attention to its electric' identity.

The interior trim level is not overly plush or luxurious. Materials and amenities were carefully balanced to offer comfort while keeping the vehicle affordable.

HARDWARE 4/5

At the heart of the Nissan Kicks is its e-Power unit which consists of the electric motor, an inverter, a lightweight battery, and a gas engine. The wheels are 100% electricity-driven. The gas engine is used to generate power and to charge the battery. The battery stores energy produced by the gas engine and from regenerative braking. The inverter converts DC power into AC power for the electric motor. As electric power is self-generated, there is no need to plug into an external power source.

The gasoline engine is a 1.2L 3-cylinder 12-valve DOHC engine that powers the electric drivetrain. Its electric motor pushes out 136ps of power and 280Nm of torque. A total of 96 lithium-ion batteries have a 213kWh capacity.