YOU have to hand it to Nissan when it comes to thinking outside the box with their ground-breaking e-Power system.
Yes there is an electric motor and a petrol engine but this is not a hybrid in the traditional sense as the 1.5-litre, three cylinder turbo ICE power unit is only there to charge the electric motor’s batteries – however it can cut in to send more power to the electric motor under hard acceleration.
We got our hands on the latest e-Power Qashqai which got an update for 2024 with a bold new grille and headlight design up front and new lights at the rear.
Inside not much has changed with that smart, functional interior getting even plusher in top-spec models thanks to some soft Alcantara upholstery.
What is new is the easy to use Google-powered infotainment system within the main 12.3-inch display. It means Google Maps is built-in and you can use the Play Store to download apps such as Spotify to play music. The spacious interior and a 504-litre boot is an equal to rivals but higher-spec trims have less boot capacity.
Nissan’s e-Power system is at its best around town with the electric motor giving a smooth and quiet ride until the petrol engine cuts in to charge the battery.
Fuel economy is good with 55mpg possible and the Qashqai is a comfortable car to drive around in at any speed. It soaks up bumps well and wind and road noise are kept to a minimum
Because of the Qashqai’s SUV shape you sit fairly high with a goods view of the road ahead and at the back rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera are standard on all models. Moving up the range adds a 360-degree view and our Tekna model has ProPilot Park, which allows the car to park itself.
Light steering and the responsive electric motor means city driving is a pleasure and the Qashqai is comfortable over the bumpiest roads – even if you go for top-spec cars with 20-inch alloy wheels.
The e-Power model is the most powerful Qashqai (190bhp) so motorway driving is also good with 0 to 60 coming up in just a shade under 8 seconds in sport mode (there is also normal and eco).
Intelligent cruise control is also standard on all models taking the strain out of long motorway drives. ProPilot is included from the Tekna grade and above, which automatically keeps the car centred in its lane, as well as other features such as automatically slowing for corners and roundabouts ahead, or an emergency stop.
With lots of room for five adults interior space is good with a pair of large cupholders between the front passengers and large door bins. Ahead of the gear level are USB slots as well as a 12V point and there’s wireless charging for your smartphone.
As well as some top technology build quality is impressive too. There are some soft plastics around the cabin and more hard-wearing surfaces where needed – ideal in a family car.
The hybrid system is really good at conserving battery power so driving at lower speeds around town you will spend most of your time on electricity, long motorway drives will need the petrol engine more.
CO2 emissions of 119g/km mean less road tax than non-hybrid models but it is still not as low as plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Standard safety equipment includes a forward collision warning system as well as emergency braking assistance. You also get lane departure warning and blind spot alerts, which are often extras or restricted to higher-spec trims on many cars at this price and adaptive cruise control is standard.
ProPilot, which is the advanced driver assistance system, is included from the Tekna grade and above.
Qashqai prices are from £30,135 for petrol Acenta Premium model up to ££42,980 for our Tenka+ e-Power.
More details at www.nissan.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth