Our Rating

4/5

Pros

  • Smooth and responsive hybrid powertrain

  • Generous equipment levels

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Expensive in top-spec trims

  • Costs £2,000 more than the standard car

  • Rivals offer more space

Introduction

The Qashqai was a true game changer for Nissan, helping it to establish the hugely lucrative crossover segment that the brand has virtually dominated ever since. 

There have been more than 5.5 million Qashqais produced to date, with the third-generation model launching last year. It debuted as a mild-hybrid, but Nissan promised that an e-Power version would follow – this being the brand’s hybrid technology that has proven very popular since its introduction in Japan in 2016.

Nissan doesn’t actually call it a ‘hybrid’, however, as its technology is different to others on the market. With the e-Power, the petrol engine is used purely to generate electricity, but it’s the electric motor that’s the part that drives the wheels at all times. Nissan’s confident that a car with e-Power will deliver an EV-like driving experience, and be the last car someone buys before going all-electric. But does it stack up? Let’s get behind the wheel to see.

Nissan Qashqai e-Power Review

Performance

The regular Qashqai uses a 1.3-litre mild-hybrid engine, but on this e-Power version, Nissan is using a new turbocharged three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine, combined with a power generator, inverter and large electric motor. 

The total output is 187bhp and 330Nm of torque, making it noticeably the most powerful Qashqai in the line-up. That’s reflected in the zippy 0-60mph time of 7.7 seconds, though for customers, it will likely be the efficiency that’s the greater attraction. 

Nissan claims up to 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 119g/lkm. In contrast, the regular car with an automatic manages 43.5mpg, and CO2 emissions of 146g/km, so there’s a welcome improvement where running costs are concerned.

Nissan Qashqai e-Power Review

Ride and handling

Behind the wheel, the Qashqai delivers on providing that EV-like experience, with the model offering a particularly quiet experience for the most part, along with a more responsive powertrain than you often get from hybrids – not suffering from any lag or hesitancy. The engine can be quite noisy if you harshly accelerate though. 

There’s lots of tech used to help improve the driving experience too, including the ‘e-Pedal’ from the Leaf that allows you to drive the Qashqai for the most part using just the accelerator pedal – regenerative braking slows the car down when you ease off. The driving assistance technology on offer is very impressive as well, with Nissan’s ProPilot technology really helping to take the stress out of longer motorway trips. 

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Interior 

Nissan really stepped up its game for the latest Qashqai, which has a far more pleasant interior than its predecessor. Particularly in our top-spec Tekna+ test car, it feels particularly upmarket, with quilted leather upholstery and leather on the door cards too. There’s also a large new 12.3-inch touchscreen that boasts increased functionality, while improving the look of the cabin as well.

The Qashqai also continues to score plenty of points on the practicality front, being no less spacious than other versions of the SUV, with a 504-litre boot and a decent amount of rear seat space. Rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon do offer more room still, though.

Nissan Qashqai e-Power Review

Equipment

The e-Power version skips the standard Qashqai’s entry-level Visia trim level, with the range beginning with the Acenta Premium. Standard equipment is generous, including keyless start, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and an eight-inch touchscreen. 

Upgrade to the N-Connecta (our pick of the range) and it adds a large 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital dial display of the same size, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and front parking sensors. If you want more kit, the Tekna adds an electric boot, head-up display, heated seats and a glass roof, with the flagship Tekna+ gaining electric and massaging front seats, quilted leather seats and a Bose sound system.

Nissan Qashqai e-Power Review

Cost

The e-Power brings a £2,000 price increase over the standard Qashqai in the same trim and with an automatic gearbox, with prices starting from £32,950 for the Acenta Premium and £35,120 for the N-Connecta. 

Those two options are the best, as Tekna variants do rack the price up, with top-spec models costing a steep £41,000, even before options.

Nissan Qashqai e-Power review

Verdict

Nissan has proved its innovation once again with the Qashqai e-Power, which delivers a new kind of hybrid driving experience that is smooth, responsive and efficient too. 

Combined with its smart styling, practical interior and generous equipment levels, there’s a lot to like about this SUV, and it’s likely to tick a lot of boxes for buyers.