Qashqai does it again as e-POWER adds more practicality to range

Nissan has added a hybrid model to its Qashqai range, the e-POWER, and compared to other hybrids out there, it’s really rather good.

It has a larger battery – 2.1kWh – than other self-charging hybrids. Charged by a 1.5-litre combustion engine, it delivers good performance, with a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds and 105mph top speed. Total output is 187bhp and 300Nm. Compared to the selfcharging hybrids we’ve driven elsewhere, the e-POWER is quiet and smooth, and a much more enjoyable ride than other CVTs, partly due to ‘Linear Tune,’ where the e-POWER matches engine speed to road speed.

Exterior

Despite plenty of upgrades, the Qashqai is unmistakably still a Qashqai. You get vertical air ducts in the front bumper, a floating roof design and LED headlights, but the V-shaped front grille and rear remain, though the lights are slimmer. The main changes are with size. It’s 35mm longer, 20mm in the wheelbase, 25mm taller and 32mm wider, so there’s more interior space all around then in the previous Qashqai.

Our Tekna e-POWER came with rear privacy glass, roof rails, a rear roof spoiler, rear privacy glass and specific e-POWER badging. LED daytime running lights, LED headlights with adaptive beam and LED rear lights also feature.

Interior equipment and quality

The highlight is a much improved infotainment system with a 12.3” touchscreen and connected services such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless CarPlay. You also get an electric parking brake, a D-MODE selector (Sport, Normal, Eco, Snow and Off-road are the options) and a push button start, intelligent key, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a heated windscreen and a hands free automatic tailgate.

The quality of the fixtures and fittings is excellent, with some nice soft-touch materials and brushed plastics used inside. It’s finished off in black, chrome and grey and overall, it’s a comfortable cabin to be in.

Practicality

From the driver’s seat you get a commanding driving position with excellent visibility. On our Tekna test car, the seats were supportive and well finished. Storage comes in the form of large front door pockets that will take a drink and a good-sized glove box. You also get two cup holders located in-between the front seats and an armrest with storage space underneath.

The increased exterior dimensions provide more head and leg room in the cabin. Thanks to the extra 38mm of width, three adults just about squeeze into the rear. Our car had a panoramic roof and this definitely reduces rear headroom.

The back seats fold down in a 40/60 split, with the boot now offering a massive 504 litres of storage, and features a number of clever storage ideas, such as removable floor panels and reversible panels.

Safety and security included Active Brake Limited Slip, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Dynamic and the ride is never uncomfortable.

EV mode prioritises electric power but it only works at lower speeds in town or very slow traffic. Otherwise the hybrid engine quietly kicks in. We spent our week in Eco mode, primarily to see how good or bad our mpg would be. After 250 miles of mixed motoring in December we averaged 47.9mpg. CO2 is 120g/km. The B regeneration setting which adds a little bit extra in the way of your range.

Control, rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, driver and passenger airbags, plus curtain and front side, far-side airbags.

On the road

We were testing the e-Power Tekna Acenta 190 auto which came with Nissan’s ProPilot+ system. On the motorway it offers Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention and Blind Spot Warning. These are brilliant and driver friendly.

In town, you can take advantage of Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Forward Brake with Pedestrian, Cyclist and Junction assist. Lane Departure is a little annoying and the Forward Collision a little too keen to take over. Otherwise, these safety features are an excellent addition to the Qashqai range.

Ride comfort is very good. On winding roads the suspension works well and the ride is supple, especially compared to the Tiguan, for example. Nissan has clearly prioritised ride comfort over performance. The steering is light, which is useful in town, but not so good on the open road, where there’s a tendency for it to lack control in corners. The suspension is soft

The e-POWER has been designed for those not yet ready to switch to a full EV, though when driving it feels very much like an EV with a hum accompanying the ride. And like many EVs, you also have an i-Pedal feature. This offers energy regeneration when you take your foot off the accelerator. It’s not too intrusive and certainly doesn’t offer EV one-pedal driving, but adds a few extra miles to your fuel economy.

Pros

Excellent mpg, very well built, packed full of tech and safety and comfortable to be in. Large boot with clever and practical removable shelving. Low CO2 means lowish BIK.

Cons

Expensive, with our Tekna costing from £38,140. For keen drivers, it doesn’t offer any driving excitement.

CC&V VERDICT

It’s missing some of the Ariya’s exciting design DNA, but it’s a practical five-door SUV that’s hard to beat. Large boot, a much improved interior, on trend tech and excellent safety all wrapped up in a good-looking package.

The e-POWER engine is well worth a look.

CC&V RATING: N N N N