Two new car models to be launched before the Lunar New Year of the Rabbit 2023.

Nissan launches its first B-segment hybrid SUV.

The Nissan Kicks e-Power was launched on November 2nd. (Photo: Nissan)

On November 2nd, the Nissan Kicks e-Power was officially launched in the Vietnamese market. The Kicks e-Power belongs to the B-segment SUV category and is also the first hybrid model in this segment.

According to the manufacturer, Kicks is equipped with e-Power technology, unique in the Vietnamese market. It boasts a youthful and sporty design. The vehicle focuses on driving experience and optimizing fuel consumption. Imported officially from Thailand, it is sold in two versions, E and V, with 6 color options (white, black, red, blue, gray, and orange).

The Nissan Kicks e-Power went on sale on November 2nd, priced at 789 million VND for the E version and 858 million VND for the V version. Competitors include the 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).

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

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

In addition to e-Power technology, the Kicks also features e-Pedal Step – a single-pedal driving mode. Safety features include a 360-degree camera, hill-start assist, and drowsiness warning. Other features include cruise control, electronic parking brake, rear parking sensors, ABS/EBD/BA brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and six airbags.

The Kicks e-Power measures 4,305 mm in length, 1,760 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height. Compared to its competitors, the Kicks is shorter and narrower. Its height is only slightly greater than the Honda HR-V and shorter than the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The wheelbase is 2,620 mm, 10 mm longer 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 exterior, LED headlights, Nissan's signature V-Motion grille. Boomerang-style LED taillights. Five-spoke alloy wheels. The interior features a flat-bottomed steering wheel, zero-gravity driver's seat, a 7-inch touchscreen behind the steering wheel, and an 8-inch A-IAI infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.

The 6th generation Honda Civic Type R has officially launched.

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

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

The reason the Honda Civic Type R still uses a 6-speed manual transmission is to combine it with the Rev Match system, which will make the driver forget the jerky, hesitant feeling when downshifting.

On the exterior, the Honda Civic Type R is characterized by its red Honda logo and the optional Championship White paint color. Although developed from the original Civic model, the Type R version has been refined to better suit the new engine, which is significantly more powerful than the standard version.

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

Inside, the Honda Civic Type R features a red and black color scheme. The seats are upholstered in red suede, contrasting with the black accents. Notably, the headrests are also embroidered with the Type R logo.

The Honda Civic Type R's steering wheel is not significantly different from the regular version.

The features on the car remain similar to the Civic RS version. For example, a 10.2-inch central screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a standard Bose sound system, wireless charging, USB connectivity, Bluetooth, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, etc.

The Honda Civic Type R will be imported as a complete unit from Japan, instead of Thailand, and will be available in five standard colors: white, blue, red, black, and gray. Notably, the number of Honda Civic Type R models in Vietnam will be limited, not sold in bulk like other models.