The World Cup maybe over, but Nissan keeps the dream alive with the all-new Kicks SUV

Nissan will launch the new model in Europe following a £170m investment to build the Kicks at its Sunderland plant in the UK. The Kicks is a compact (B-segment) SUV, competing with the likes of the Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid, and featuring Nissan’s next generation e-POWER hybrid technology.

Massimiliano Messina, Chairperson Nissan AMIEO Region, said: “This is fantastic news for our European region and demonstrates the agility and speed with which we can bring new models to new markets. 

“Kicks is a compact crossover, with the unique e-POWER hybrid drivetrain, exciting design and innovative technology. Electrification with choice is what European customers want, and the introduction of Kicks will further demonstrate how Nissan has options for all.”

Following the announcement of the new electric only PIXO, the Kicks is actually built in Japan, Mexico and Brazil for sale globally, albeit it has not been made available for Europe until now. So it’s hard to imagine that the original Kicks was so successful - surpassing 1.8 million sold in more than 70 countries - and that we’re only just hearing about it now.

Adam Pennick, Vice President of Manufacturing, Nissan Sunderland Plant, said: “I’m proud to welcome this new model allocation for Sunderland. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our 40th year as a world-class manufacturing site. We look forward to seeing Kicks e-POWER hybrid going down the production line with our electrified line up of Qashqai, Juke and LEAF.”

Nissan Sunderland Turns 40

Just as Nissan Sunderland celebrates its 40th anniversary - the factory that has served Europe so well - is still fit for the modern new energy era as it builds the new LEAF and other new energy cars from the Nissan line-up.

Twelve million vehicles have been built at Sunderland since the first Nissan Bluebird rolled off the production line in 1986.

​e-POWER

Nissan’s Sunderland plant already builds e-POWER hybrid versions of the Qashqai and it will build the new Kicks e-POWER for customers in the UK, Europe and Turkey.  

And the Kicks will be built with the third-generation e-POWER system that was first launched in 2025 and was comprehensively re-engineered to provide significantly better fuel efficiency, lower emissions and improved refinement.

The e‑POWER is different to other hybrids because the wheels are only driven by the electric motor and never by the petrol engine, with the latter used only to generate electricity to recharge the on-board battery that, in turn, powers the electric motor. Sadly this e-POWER does not come with an optional large battery and plug, so it remains a full full hybrid, with no plug-in hybrid model.

In the Qashqai, the e-POWER system provides up to 795 miles of range from one tank of petrol, and up to 65.7 mpg, and with the Kicks being a smaller model, I shall expect that upper fuel efficiency limit to be surpassed, offering itself as a true competitor to rival Japanese manufacturer, and hybrid pioneer, Toyota.

Unlike Toyota’s hybrids, the e-POWER does provide the feel of an electric car, but without the benefits of accessing a cheap overnight tariff to run it as it has no plug-in option. It’s ideal for those without the option of charging at home, which will offer a relief for those looking for a new car that can genuinely offer savings on petrol costs.

From next year, Sunderland will also manufacture the all-new, third-generation Nissan JUKE which, for the first time, will be 100% electric, although the existing petrol JUKE will live alongside the new electric version for a while.

UK Government Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said: "Nissan has been at the heart of British manufacturing for four decades, with Sunderland producing millions of vehicles that supported thousands of skilled jobs and helped establish the North East as a global automotive powerhouse.

"The decision to build this new model in Sunderland is a huge vote of confidence in the UK's manufacturing expertise and automotive future. I’m excited in what our partnership with industry can achieve so this Government delivers good growth, investment and skilled jobs in every postcode."

Nissan KICKS e-POWER