Model update
Nissan Qashqai E-Power Tekna Is the original crossover as attractive in E-Power hybrid from?
Martyn Collins
The Qashqai is the car that defined the whole crossover sector, and this third- generation version was one of last year’s best-sellers – so that’s why they are so ubiquitous on UK roads! The most recent range development for the current Qashqai, has been the addition of E-Power hybrid versions and we’ve got the Tekna spec here to drive.
The name E-Power might suggest this Qashqai is electric, but instead it’s a hybrid and very similar underneath to the bigger X-Trail that we drove a couple of months back. So, the 155hp, 1.5-litre, three- cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine never actually powers the front-wheels directly. Instead, this engine is used as a charger for the 2.1kWh battery powering the electric motor on the Quashqai’s front axle. As a result, this Qashqai starts in eerie silence, much like an EV, with the only sound being an audible hum from the electric motor. Although, oddly it doesn’t feel as keen off the mark as an EV, in fact it’s quite sedate. This is odd, as the E-Power is the quickest Qashqai with a quoted 7.9 second 0-62mph acceleration time. Still, speed quickly builds – push the
7/10
Nissan Qashqai Tekna E-Power
P11D £39,545 On sale: Now Residual value 43% Depreciation £22,520 Fuel £7,714 Service, maintenance and repair £3,050 Cost per mile 55.47p Fuel consumption 53.3 mpg CO2 (BIK %) 119g/km (28%) BIK 20/40% a month £184/£369 Luggage capacity 505 litres Engine size/power 1,497cc + 2.1kWh battery/190hp
accelerator harder, and the engine quickly fires into life with its three-cylinder soundtrack – which we think is louder than it should be.
Like the X-Trail it’s brilliant around town, with the drive mostly covered in electric, and perhaps more useable with the Qashqai’s slightly smaller dimensions. We’re also fans of the E-Pedal, which makes the drive even more relaxed, as you almost come to a stop without braking and at the same time it’s regening the battery. Apart from the ‘Sport’ mode which changes the steering weighting and gives a
general feeling of being more eager, there is not much difference from the other driving modes, and your ears may become tired of the vocal engine working hard. There is even an ‘EV’ mode, but it only really works at low speed where it prioritises electric power, but even the littlest touch of the throttle starts the petrol engine. On the road, the Qashqai impresses with its comfortable, composed ride – even on the 19in wheels of our test car. Elsewhere, the steering is reasonably precise – but lacks feel. While there is some body roll, in general the Qashqai is a tidy handler when compared to other SUV rivals. Inside, there’s a premium feel to the trim and plastics – plus being near the top of the range, this Tekna has plenty of standard kit including the punchy Bose sound system, and keyless entry and go. The Qashqai’s driving position and general all-round vision is good. Rear head and legroom is also decent, plus there’s a large and practically-shaped 505-litre boot. To aid rear practicality, the rear doors have 85-degree opening for easy access. Perhaps the Qashqai’s styling doesn’t shout about the clever technology underneath it, but it still looks attractive and reasonably modern – especially in our
Positive
Refi ned drive, clever E-Power technology, attractive and practical interior
Negative
Refi nement suff ers if worked hard, not as effi cient as you might expect
test car’s optional Ceramic Grey paint. So, like the X-Trail, with the Qashqai E-Power you’ve got a car that drives like an EV, and with decent practicality. Despite its good residuals, plus the improved 53.3mpg fuel economy and reduced 28% BIK figure over the 1.3 DIG-T petrol, ultimately EVs such as the Skoda Enyaq will be cheaper to run – if not to buy. This Qashqai is fine as a stepping stone to an EV, but it’s hard to recommend this Nissan hybrid SUV as an EV alternative – it’s still an intriguing concept, however.
What’s new: We try the E-Power version of the Nissan Qashqai in Tekna spec.
Standard equipment: 19in alloy wheels, premium Bose sound system, heated seat and steering wheel, heated windscreen, dual-zone air-conditioning, glass roof, power tailgate, 12.3in Nissan Connect infotainment system.
40 | March 2024 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
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