New Nissan Kicks E-Power confirmed for UK with Sunderland production

Nissan has confirmed that its new Kicks E-Power will be produced at its Sunderland factory and offered to European drivers, joining the Qashqai and Juke on the production line at the UK plant. The announcement marks a meaningful expansion of British-built hybrid output, with the compact crossover joining a segment that has grown steadily as more drivers move away from purely petrol-powered cars.

The Kicks sits in the B-segment, which covers small-to-mid crossovers that tend to appeal to both private buyers and fleet operators looking for a practical, fuel-efficient vehicle. According to multiple reports, the Kicks E-Power uses a hybrid system rather than a plug-in or full-electric drivetrain, meaning drivers charge it by running the petrol engine rather than plugging it in at a charge point. This setup can suit drivers who want improved fuel economy without committing to a plug-in routine.

First images of the new Kicks have also been published, showing the standard Kicks alongside a more rugged Kicks Rock Creek variant. The Rock Creek version appears oriented towards buyers who want an outdoorsy aesthetic, though the core dimensions and platform remain shared across the range.

Having production based in Sunderland carries a practical significance for UK buyers, as domestically built vehicles can sometimes carry fewer supply-chain complications and shorter wait times than those shipped from overseas plants. Fleet managers in particular may weigh local production as a factor when assessing delivery schedules. No pricing or on-sale date has been confirmed at this stage, and UK specification details are yet to be announced.