Cool kicks: Nissan and New Balance collab makes sneaker-inspired crossover

MANILA: Nissan and shoemaker New Balance have designed a Kicks that resembles a New Balance 327 running sneaker.

The 2023 Nissan Kicks 327 Edition is covered in materials that complement the shoe's hues and textures, right down to the large N emblem and substantial white midsole. The rooftrack of the 2023 Nissan Kicks 327 Edition even features a large collar, tongue, eyestay, and laces, with the black grille imitating the way the black sole of the New Balance 327 rolls up to the toe.

Nissan has no plans in selling the vehicle, but it will be on display at the Aeon Mall in Tokyo. Additionally, Nissan is holding a social media contest in which participants can enter to win a pair of the sneakers or a real Kicks (without the distinctive style) in exchange for posting pictures of themselves with the vehicle.

Here in the Philippines, all three variants of the 2023 Nissan Kicks, built on Nissan's unique DNA, boast of e-Power. It is made up of a fully electric motor that produces 136ps of power and 280Nm of torque. A 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, which runs at an ideal speed and is utilized just to charge the Kicks’ battery, increases fuel economy under various driving conditions.

The battery, e-Power system, and vehicle are all covered by a five-year/150,000-kilometer warranty period for the 2023 Nissan Kicks e-Power.

Regenerative braking is another feature that the 2023 Nissan Kicks e-Power has, further enhancing its remarkable fuel economy. According to testing, the vehicle achieves 22 to 25kpl in a variety of traffic and driving situations.

When compared to other traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) in the same segment, this usage is twice as efficient. With a total fuel tank capacity of 41 liters, the Kicks e-Power can travel up to 900 to 1,000 kilometers on a single tank of petrol.

With the new e-Pedal Step feature, driving is also made simpler and more comfortable because drivers only need to press the accelerator pedal to accelerate or decelerate. As a result, driving in various scenarios, such as on highways or in cities, is much more convenient because there is less of a need to switch from one pedal to another. If the driver wants to fully stop the vehicle, the brake pedal is still present.

When everything is put together, the 2023 Nissan Kicks offers a smooth and powerful ride, whether for driving around town or traveling at top speed.

Beyond power and efficiency, the Nissan Kicks e-Power has smart technologies with Nissan Intelligent Mobility. The three Kicks variants come with the standard Hill Start Assist, while the e-Power VL and e-Power VE variants have the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Vehicle Dynamic Control, and the Driver Attention Alert features.

As the flagship variant, the VL variant's Intelligent Around View Monitor is also equipped with Moving Object Detection. Other features include keyless entry with the Intelligent Key and push button engine start-stop systems, alongside Nissan's eight-inch advanced touchscreen display audio and compatibility for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth on the VL and VE variants.

There is no shortage of style with the 2023 Nissan Kicks. Bold exterior colors accentuate Nissan's signature style on this modern sub-compact SUV, which comes in Premium Corona Orange, Cayenne Red, Pearl White, Gun Metallic, Riptide Blue, and Brilliant Silver.

It also has a distinct sporty look with its sleek, black, double V-Motion Grilles, LED signature tail, head and front fog lights, and a silver-toned roof rail to complement the main body. This is also the second model launched locally bearing the new Nissan logo.

Inside, the dynamic design and functionality continues with a seven-inch color TFT display meter presenting the power meter, battery gauge, drive range, and fuel gauge in an easy-to-read layout, and an infotainment system that is easily within reach. The car’s Zero Gravity Seats provide both comfort and style, as do the D-shaped leather steering wheel and the Electronic Parking Brake Switch with Auto Hold Function.

Photos from Nissan, Dylan Afuang, and Roy Robles

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