2 new car models launched before Lunar New Year 2023

Nissan launches first hybrid B-segment SUV

Nissan Kicks e-Power launched on November 2. Photo: Nissan

On November 2, Nissan Kicks e-Power was officially launched in the Vietnamese market. Kicks e-Power belongs to the B-class high-chassis vehicle segment and is also the first hybrid model in the segment.

According to the manufacturer, Kicks is equipped with e-Power technology, the only one in the Vietnamese market. The exterior design is youthful and sporty. The car aims to experience the driving feeling and optimize fuel consumption. The car is imported from Thailand, sold in two versions, including E and V, with 6 color options (white, black, red, blue, gray, orange).

Nissan Kicks e-Power will be on sale from November 2, priced at 789 million VND for the E version and 858 million VND for the V version. Competitors include Hyundai Creta priced from 620-730 million VND, Kia Seltos priced from 639-759 million VND, and Honda HR-V priced from 826-871 million VND.

The E-Power is based on the Nissan Leaf's pure electric technology, including an electric motor, lithium-ion battery, inverter, gasoline engine and generator.

The Kicks e-Power's electric motor produces 134 horsepower at 3,410-9,697 rpm and 280 Nm of torque at 3,410 rpm. The 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder gasoline engine feeds the generator. According to Nissan's test results, the Kicks e-Power consumes 2.2 liters per 100 km. The car has 4 driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Eco and EV.

In addition to e-Power technology, Kicks is also equipped with e-Pedal Step - a single-pedal operating mode. Safety features include a 360 camera, hill start assist and drowsiness warning. Cruise control, electronic handbrake, reverse sensor, ABS/EBD/BA brakes, electronic balance, traction control and 6 airbags.

The dimensions of the Kicks e-Power are 4,305 mm long, 1,760 mm wide, and 1,615 mm high. Compared to its competitors, the length and width of the Kicks are smaller. While the height is only slightly higher than the Honda HR-V and lower than the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The wheelbase is 2,620 mm, 10 mm higher than competitors in the segment such as the Honda HR-V (2,610 mm), Hyundai Creta (2,610 mm) and Kia Seltos (2,610 mm).

Sporty appearance, LED headlights, Nissan's signature V-Motion grille. Boomerang-style LED taillights. 5-spoke rims. Interior features a flat-bottom steering wheel, zero gravity driver's seat. 7-inch rear-wheel display and 8-inch A-IAI entertainment display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

The 6th generation Honda Civic Type R officially launched

Honda Vietnam Company (HVN) officially introduced the sixth generation Honda Civic Type R in the Vietnamese market before Lunar New Year 2023.

The highlight of the Honda Civic Type R comes from the 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces 315 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 420 Nm at 2,600 - 4,000 rpm. This C-class car uses a typical manual transmission and front-wheel drive.

The reason why Honda Civic Type R still uses a 6-speed manual transmission is to combine with the automatic throttle system - Rev match system to make the driver forget the feeling of jerking and stalling when shifting to low gears.

On the exterior, the Honda Civic Type R is characterized by the red Honda logo and the optional Championship White paint. Although developed on the original Civic model, the Type R version has been tweaked to better suit the new engine block, which is much more powerful than the regular version.

The difference continues to appear at the rear of the car with a large spoiler combined with a cluster of three exhaust pipes located in the center of the rear bumper, emphasizing the true sporty performance of the Honda Civic Type R.

Inside, the Honda Civic Type R has a red and black color scheme. The seats are covered in red suede, contrasting with the black details on the car. The headrests are also embroidered with the Type R logo.

The Honda Civic Type R steering wheel is not much different from the regular version.

The car's amenities are still similar to the Civic RS version. For example, the 10.2-inch central screen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a standard Bose sound system, wireless charging, USB connectivity, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with rear vents...

Honda Civic Type R will be imported from Japan, instead of Thailand with 5 standard colors: white, blue, red, black and cement gray. Notably, the number of Honda Civic Type R in Vietnam will be limited, not mass-produced like the other car models.