JUST as Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) prepared to launch the heavily updated Kicks e-Power this July, Japan has already moved on to an entirely new generation.
Nissan officially launched the second-generation Kicks in its home market on June 18, introducing a substantially redesigned crossover with a new hybrid system, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and a more premium interior.
The launch, however, comes with a caveat for Filipino buyers.
The vehicle Japan is getting is unlikely to be the same one that eventually arrives in the Philippines — if it arrives at all.
That's because Nissan currently sells two different versions of the Kicks globally. Japan, North America, and other developed markets receive this newer second-generation model, while Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, get a different version developed specifically for emerging markets.
In fact, the Kicks currently sold in parts of South America carries an entirely different name: Kait.
Still, Filipino enthusiasts may already recognize this vehicle.
NPI quietly brought the second-generation Kicks to the recent Philippine International Motor Show, giving local audiences an early look at a crossover many assumed would eventually replace today's model. Whether that happens remains unanswered.
Visually, the Japanese-market Kicks stays faithful to the version first unveiled in North America in 2024.
It adopts a more upright and muscular stance, with stacked lighting elements up front and a contrasting roof design that can be finished in black. A full-width black trim piece visually connects the rear lighting assemblies, giving the crossover a wider appearance.
Nissan says the front-end design was inspired by an American football helmet, though thankfully, it doesn't require much imagination to appreciate the result.
Inside is where the biggest changes are found.
The dashboard now borrows heavily from the larger Nissan Ariya, creating a cleaner and more upscale environment. Materials throughout the cabin have been upgraded, while rear passenger space has also improved.
Like many new cars these days, physical buttons have given way to touch-sensitive controls. At least Nissan had the good sense not to bury every function inside the infotainment screen.
Depending on the variant, buyers can get dual 12.3-inch displays, NissanConnect with built-in Google integration, four USB-C charging ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system.
The biggest story, however, sits under the hood. The new Kicks debuts Nissan's third-generation e-Power system in Japan. Instead of the current setup, Nissan has developed an entirely new 5-in-1 powertrain that combines the motor, generator, inverter, reducer, and increaser into a single compact unit.
A newly developed 1.4-liter direct-injection gasoline engine acts solely as a generator. Like every e-Power model before it, the engine never drives the wheels directly.
The experience remains closer to an electric vehicle than a conventional hybrid, minus the need to plug it in.
Nissan says the new system is 10-percent more efficient than before while also improving cabin refinement.
Front-wheel-drive models produce 141 horsepower (hp), but for the first time, buyers can opt for an e-4ORCE electronic AWD system that adds a second electric motor at the rear.
That rear motor contributes another 67 hp while helping improve stability, traction, and ride comfort. Snow Mode is also available, though Filipino buyers are unlikely to lose sleep over its absence.
Safety technology has also taken a significant step forward. ProPILOT is now standard across all Japanese variants, while an upgraded Intelligent Around View Monitor gains Front Wide View, Invisible Hood View, and 3D view functions.
Other systems include blind spot intervention, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and an enhanced Intelligent Emergency Braking system capable of detecting pedestrians, crossing traffic, and oncoming vehicles at intersections.
Pricing in Japan starts at 2.99 million yen for front-wheel-drive variants and climbs to 4.24 million yen for top-spec e-4ORCE models.
As exciting as all of this sounds, Filipino buyers shouldn't get their hopes up just yet.
The heavily facelifted Kicks e-Power arriving locally this July remains an entirely different vehicle from the one Japan has just launched.
Could Nissan Philippines eventually bring this second-generation model here? Possibly.
But for now, it remains one of those cars Filipinos have already seen, already want, and may have to admire from afar.