At the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) is revealing Nissan's e-Power hybrid system in a Nissan Kicks for the first time in Malaysia. This marks the system's debut in the country, along with the Kicks model.

Interestingly, although the Kicks has moved into its second generation as of March this year, the version showcased at the event is the updated version of the first-generation model launched in May 2020.

It's uncertain if the Kicks will be officially launched in Malaysia, given the age of the model on display. Therefore, the main focus of ETCM's presentation is the e-Power hybrid system.

In the Nissan Kicks, this setup includes a HR12DE 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engine generating 79 PS and 103 Nm of torque. This engine solely acts as a generator for a 1.57 kWh battery positioned under the front seats.



In the Nissan Kicks, a front-mounted EM57 electric motor with 129 PS (95 kW) and 260 Nm is powered by the battery. Unlike typical hybrids, the engine doesn't directly drive the wheels instead, the electric motor does most of the work to get the crossover moving.

This e-Power system is also found in other Nissan models like the Serena, which is expected to get an update in Malaysia soon. The sixth-generation MPV was spotted being tested in the country last March.

ETCM's display of the e-Power system at the Malaysia Autoshow could suggest that we might see this unique hybrid technology in the Serena in the near future. This idea matches earlier suggestions, so it's something to keep an eye on.