Electrification is a particularly hot topic at Nissan at the moment, with the Japanese firm rolling out new powertrains across much of its range.
There’s a new hybrid version of the popular Juke crossover, while the brand’s flagship electric Ariya SUV is just reaching showrooms too. But now Nissan’s best-selling Qashqai crossover is also getting electrified, with the launch of a new e-Power model.
Already available as a mild-hybrid, e-Power is a bespoke new powertrain setup, and the first time it has featured on a European model. Here are five things you need to know about the new Nissan Qashqai e-Power.
It’s a new type of powertrain
Though you’re likely just getting to grips with hybrid models, the e-Power setup used in the Qashqai is different to other setups on the market.
In a regular ‘self-charging’ hybrid, the wheels are normally driven by an electric motor and battery. However, in the e-Power setup, the engine isn’t connected at all to the wheels and therefore doesn’t drive the car. Instead, the engine exists purely to power the battery. Unlike in an electric car, the power source here is the engine, rather than just the battery. It means the Qashqai uses a larger electric motor than many other rival hybrid models.
EV-like driving experience
The advantage to this sort of setup? Well, it’s predominantly to do with giving the Qashqai e-Power more of an EV-like feel behind the wheel. Whereas a conventional hybrid spends the bulk of the time running on petrol, instead the Qashqai is driven by electricity.
In fact, the Qashqai’s electric motor is a similar size and power to a conventional electric car, enabling that ‘electric’ driving experience. The engine can only really be heard under hard acceleration, when it has to work harder to power the battery.
Powerful yet very efficient
Thanks to the Qashqai’s punchy electric motor, it means the e-Power setup delivers 187bhp and 330Nm of torque, which makes it the most powerful version of this crossover yet. It equates to brisk pace too, with the Qashqai e-Power able to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 7.7 seconds.
But the system also plays a second – and arguably more important role – when it comes to fuel efficiency. For a hybrid car of this type, it’s very reasonable on fuel, with Nissan claiming up to 53.3mpg, while CO2 emissions of 119g/km are very commendable too.
Just as practical as a regular Qashqai
Nissan has cleverly engineered the e-Power setup so that it doesn’t have any impact on the Qashqai’s practicality, which is one of the model’s key strengths. There’s still loads of rear seat space, with even adults able to get comfortable, though the panoramic glass roof does impact the amount of headroom on offer.
With up to 504 litres of boot space on offer with the rear seats upright, it’s an ideal family tool and will elevate the Qashqai’s appeal to families even further.
Generous equipment levels
The Qashqai is known for offering superb value for money, and that remains the case with the e-Power model, which is available from £32,950. You also get loads of standard equipment included, such as 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control and a new eight-inch touchscreen that’s very easy to use.
As you move up the range, the spec continues to get better and better, with the mid-range N-Connecta adding around-view parking sensors and a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, while high-spec Tekna versions bring a glass roof, ProPilot driver assistance technology and a widescreen head-up display.
The new Nissan Qashqai e-Power is available to order now, with first deliveries expected in September 2022.
