The 2020 Nissan Kicks e-Power is the crossover that finally makes sense for Kenya. While the Juke was polarizing and tight inside, the Kicks is spacious, practical, and powered by Nissan’s revolutionary e-Power system. It combines the high driving position Kenyans love with the fuel efficiency of a hybrid. Importantly, unlike the Note, the Kicks was designed with emerging markets in mind, meaning it has a robust suspension ready for our roads.

The Kicks P15 uses a Series Hybrid system:

• e-Power (HR12DE + EM57): STANDARD The 1.2L petrol engine acts solely as a generator to charge the battery. The wheels are driven 100% by the electric motor. This delivers instant torque (260 Nm) similar to a 2.5L petrol engine, but with the economy of a 1.2L hatchback.

• Modern Dash: The interior features a "Gliding Wing" dashboard with soft-touch materials on the X and VL grades. The D-shaped steering wheel adds a sporty touch.
• Boot Space: Offering 423 litres, the boot is deep and square. It easily beats the Toyota C-HR and Honda Vezel in raw luggage capacity.

• Consumption: 21–23 km/l in city driving. The regenerative braking recharges the battery in traffic, making it incredibly efficient in Nairobi jams.
• Service: Routine maintenance is simple (oil/filters for the 1.2L generator). There is no gearbox oil to change in the traditional sense, and brake pads last much longer due to regenerative braking.
• One-Pedal Drive: In "S" or "Eco" mode, lifting off the accelerator slows the car down significantly. You rarely need to touch the brake pedal, which reduces fatigue.

Ground Clearance: At 210mm, the Kicks has genuine SUV clearance. It handles speed bumps, potholes, and light off-road trails better than almost any other compact crossover in its class. It is 2WD only, so avoid deep mud, but for rough rocky roads, it is perfect.

Features Intelligent Emergency Braking and Around View Monitor (360-degree camera) on higher trims. The e-Power system is robust, having been proven in the Note since 2016.

The following are average showroom prices for fresh imports in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Who is this for? The driver who wants the efficiency of a Note e-Power but needs the ground clearance for Kenyan speed bumps and unfinished roads. Who is it NOT for? 4x4 enthusiasts—despite the SUV looks, it is strictly Front Wheel Drive.