The Hybrid Kicks America (Probably) Needs
While the second-gen Kicks has been around for quite some time already, the Japanese market gets a slightly different version. The home market model doesn’t bother with pure combustion options, as the only powertrain available is Nissan‘s proprietary e-Power hybrid system.
It’s for the best, too, as it packs much more torque over the 2.0-liter engine the U.S gets, and it undoubtedly gets far better gas mileage. While it isn’t certain if the Kicks e-Power will make it to the U.S, the tech behind it will come.
That said, we’re bringing up the JDM Kicks again because Nissan revealed a model that will be offered in America. The Rock Creek version of the subcompact crossover had just made its world premiere in Japan.
Nissan
Spotted Before
We can confidently say that the Rock Creek will be offered in the U.S. A few months ago, a mildly camouflaged version was seen driving around Tennessee, hiding bits of body cladding and badges. Even the wheel design was covered up for good measure.
Its sighting in Tennessee is significant because Nissan’s U.S. headquarters are located there. The company may be in the middle of evaluating the vehicle for the market, and for all we know, it might even be preparing for its North American launch, given that Japan had already revealed it.
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What’s Different?
Comparing the spy shots with the real deal, we see a couple of things that line up. For starters, the three holes at the top of the grille on the American model are present in the Japanese version, indicating that the two will look similar at the very least. The Kicks Rock Creek also gets thicker body cladding, the same way the Rogue and Pathfinder get more butchered exteriors. The wheels are also unique to this version of the Kicks, as are the Lava Red accents.
The Rock Creek treatment carries over inside. There are more Lava Red highlights to see, namely on the seats, dashboard, and steering wheel. The Nissan logo on the horn pad is also finished in that color. Lastly, the seats are trimmed in a water-resistant fabric.
Nissan
A Small, AWD Hybrid, Anyone?
Of course, the Kicks Rock Creek is available with all-wheel drive. As this is the Japanese version with e-Power, it sends power to all wheels via the brand’s e-4orce system that can apply individual wheel control if needed. It’s a far more advanced arrangement than the all-wheel-drive system in the U.S.-market Kicks. Obviously, it won’t turn it into an Armada, but it does add capability nonetheless.
As for specs, total system output is rated at 141 hp and 232 lb-ft, regardless of whether it’s front-drive or all-wheel drive. In terms of horsepower, it’s exactly the same as the 2.0-liter engine in the American Kicks, but the e-Power hybrid offers a greater torque advantage.
With that, we now have a better idea of what the Kicks Rock Creek will look like for the American market. All that’s left to do now is imagine those side-reflector markets, and, well, that’s pretty much it. e-Power tech would be a nice addition for it, though, as it could make the Kicks an even more competitive product.
Nissan
