5 minute read
Nissan Qashqai e-Power
FORECOURT NISSAN QASHQAI E-POWER
Under the bonnet
The 1-5-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor puts out 187bhp and 330Nm of torque.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Nissan Qashqai e-Power Tekna+
Price (as tested): £40,980
Engine: 1.5-litre
petrol-electric
Power:
187bhp
Torque: 330Nm
Max speed:
105mph
O-60mph: 7.7 seconds
MPG (combined):
53.3
Emissions:
119g/km CO2
Does a hybrid version of Nissan’s best-seller make it more attractive? Ted Welford headed to Stockholm to find out.
WHAT IS IT?
The third-generation Qashqai launched last year, debuting with mild-hybrid engines, but Nissan is now expanding its appeal further, with the launch of a new e-Power version. Bringing full hybrid technology (although Nissan doesn’t actually call it a hybrid), it further electrifies Nissan’s line-up.
WHAT’S NEW?
Rather than running on petrol or electric, this system uses the petrol engine to generate electricity, helping to make it drive more like an EV. This electric motor is then the sole power source driving the wheels, which makes it quite different to other hybrids. Powertrain aside, there aren’t too many differences, although the e-Power benefits from the new, larger touchscreen that’s recently been rolled out across the rest of the Qashqai line-up.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Mild-hybrid Qashqais use a 1.3-litre petrol engine, but a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol is adopted for the e-Power and it’s the swiftest Qashqai on sale by far. We suspect the efficiency gains will be of more interest to customers, though. With a big sales target for the Qashqai being fleet, those reduced CO2 emissions will be welcome (the regular car emits around 145g/km), while it’s also around 9mpg better on fuel.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It’s relatively responsive and feels particularly quiet on the move as well. Really put your toe down, however, and the engine does make itself heard.
The e-Power also carries over Nissan’s e-Pedal from its Leaf – essentially a sharp regenerative braking system that lets you drive it for the most part with just a single pedal.
As you ease off the accelerator, the car automatically slows, adding to the ‘electric’ experience. Nissan’s ProPilot semi-autonomous driving features also really take the stress and hassle out of busy and congested traffic, with its systems being among the best.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Bar some relatively subtle e-Power badging and a slightly different grille pattern, this looks the same as any regular Qashqai, and although views are always subjective, we reckon that’s no bad thing.
Nissan has tended to err on the side of caution with the Qashqai’s design, but this crossover has a certain quiet elegance about it. Sharp LED headlights with a neat signature give it plenty of presence on the road, while the crease lines give it some extra flair. But if design is important, you’re better off choosing the top-spec models – particularly the rangetopping Tekna+ we’re trying here – with its large alloy wheels and two-tone paint scheme.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
One of the main steps up on this latest Qashqai is its interior, and it certainly feels like a welcome leap upmarket, if not quite encroaching on premium territory. The material quality is good, particularly on the top-spec cars, which get quilted leather seats and additional leather elements on the door cards, for example.
The new 12.3-inch touchscreen is a welcome improvement, too, giving the cabin a more modern feel, and although not the best system out there, it’s easy to use and clear. The only slight gripe we have is with the gear selector, which just feels cheap to look at and operate.
The Qashqai also continues to excel when it comes to interior space, with a generously sized boot and decent levels of rear seat space. The legroom in the back isn’t all that fantastic, however – a Ford Kuga Hybrid offers more in the way of space here.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
You’ll pay around £2,000 more for the e-Power over the equivalent mild-hybrid automatic model, with prices kicking off from £32,950 and rising to £40,980 for the top-spec Tekna+.
The Qashqai is generally very well equipped, with the Acenta Premium coming with 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, an eight-inch touchscreen, reversing camera and keyless entry all included. It could, however, be worth upgrading to the £35,120 N-Connecta version, which brings the larger touchscreen, digital dials, an all-round parking camera plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Car magazine said: ‘It now feels that the Qashqai has the drivetrain it always deserved.’ The Sunday Times said: ‘The relatively low purchase price compared with a plug-in hybrid and impressive urban economy will tempt plenty of suburban commuters.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
The addition of this e-Power hybrid powertrain is certainly welcome in the Qashqai, bringing a more pleasant driving experience and reduced running costs versus the standard car. With generous equipment levels and a smart design, it could prove a great choice for those looking for something electrified who aren’t quite ready for an EV.
The only sticking point perhaps is the £2,000 increase in price over the regular mildhybrid Qashqai, which may be hard to justify considering the regular car is hardly inefficient in its own right.
Style
Subtle design changes including a different grille and e-Power branding differentiate the model from the rest of the range
Inside
The Qashqai’s cabin is a step up in quality with plenty of interior space. The top-spec models gain quilted leather seats, too
TARGET BUYERS:
Loyal Qashqai owners looking for something electrified.
THE RIVALS:
Ford Kuga Hyundai Tucson Kia Sportage
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Electric-car-like driving experience 2.Familiar and easy to adjust to 3.Lower running costs
