2024 Nissan Qashqai e-Power review: First Australian drive

It's been a solid month for Nissan. This February marked the most successful month in sales for the current-generation UK-built Qashqai since its launch in late 2022.

Simultaneously, the brand welcomed a record-breaking surge in X-Trail sales, surpassing all previous monthly figures.

A full 24% of X-Trail sales were credited to the AWD e-Power option, underscoring Nissan's anticipation for the forthcoming launch of e-POWER technology across the Qashqai range.

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What is Nissan's e-Power system?

Thanks to the likes of Toyota, many buyers are familiar with traditional hybrid systems that integrate petrol and electric power in a 'series parallel' arrangement.

However, Nissan has taken a different approach with its e-Power hybrid system, which first featured in the Nissan X-Trail 12 months ago. This system aims to enhance fuel efficiency while delivering a driving experience more akin to that of an all-electric vehicle.

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In this setup, the petrol engine serves as a generator alone, rather than driving the wheels directly.

The motor sends power to the car's battery or inverter, which then powers two electric motors – one for the front axle and another for the rear. It's a system similar to the Holden Volt and BMW i3 REx of generations past, with modern advancements.

As Nissan puts it, this configuration is intended to minimise fluctuations in engine demand that are typical in daily petrol car usage, creating more consistent conditions for optimal efficiency.

One of the initial questions for the Nissan team at the launch event was a predictable one: Why not simply introduce a fully-electric Qashqai?

Nissan's response emphasised its view of e-Power as a transitional technology, serving as a bridge for those not yet prepared to move away from internal combustion engines. It's dipping a toe into the pool of pure EVs, but the brand has made clear it's not seeing plug-in hybrids as this transitional tool.

JUMP AHEAD

• How much is it, and what do you get?
• How do rivals compare on value?
• Interior comfort, space, and storage
• What is it like to drive?
• How safe is it?
• Warranty and running costs
• VERDICT

How much is it, and what do you get?

While the wider Qashqai range starts from $34k, the Qashqai e-Power is priced from $51,590 before on-road costs, offered solely in the flagship Ti grade.

This marks a $4200 increase from the equivalent petrol Ti variant, aligning neatly with the walk-up seen in the X-Trail e-Power line-up.

The Qashqai e-Power is classified as a five-seater small hybrid SUV, and the entire range is front-wheel drive only.

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The Qashqai e-Power shares the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that drives the X-Trail e-Power, with a combined system output of 140kW and 330Nm – 30kW/80Nm more that the Qashqai's regular 1.3-litre unit.

It requires 95RON premium unleaded petrol, with the same 55-litre tank capacity as regular Qashqais.

Fuel efficiency is listed at 5.3L/100km, compared to the petrol model's 6.1L/100km rating. If our testing of the X-Trail E-Power is any indication, Qashqai e-Power owners should be able to come close to that claimed figure.

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Features

With an equipment list that mirrors the petrol Ti model, the Qashqai e-Power is a well-equipped flagship model.

Features include 19-inch alloy wheels, leather-accented quilted trims on the seats and steering wheel, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, a very generously proportioned panoramic sunroof, hands free power tailgate and a 10.8-inch head-up display.

A wireless charger is available below the screen and even if you’re not charging is a great storage spot to pop your phone down.

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Exclusive to the e-Power variant is, of course, the e-Power technology itself, along with distinct badging, active noise cancellation and regenerative braking. Visually, the grille is also wider through extended black trim on the top and bottom.

Another addition, the e-Pedal, uses regenerative braking to allow the driver to minimise the use of the brake pedal until a complete stop is required. While most full EVs offer 'one-pedal' driving that allows the vehicle to slow to a complete stop, Nissan says it didn't develop the Qashqai or X-Trail's e-pedal this way after user testing saw drivers still relying on the brake pedal.

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Interior comfort, space and storage

When the third-generation Qashqai launched in 2023, we did note that although the pricing in higher grades was opening the model to some setbacks, Nissan offset this by offering more space. Bigger than its predecessor, the new Qashqai could feasibly be your next family car instead of something larger.

The new Qashqai adds 22mm more legroom and 28mm more height for rear passengers. Nissan has also extended the rear door opening from a 70-degree angle to 85 degrees, aiding parents with getting their young kids in and buckled up.

Rear air vents and USB-A / USB-C ports are also provided.

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In the front, the cabin exudes a cozy yet spacious ambiance. The center storage console, set further back for added room, conveniently accommodates small items like sunglasses and gum.

As observed in the standard Qashqai Ti, the seat trim is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. The cushion bolstering makes entering and exiting the car effortless.

Adding a touch of modernity and sophistication, the gear knob has a sleek design, serving as the focal point of the cabin. Behind you'll find two cupholders in the centre console and additional options in the car doors.

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Boot space

With an impressive storage capacity of 452 litres, the Qashqai e-Power offers one of the best boots in its segment.

This ample space is further enhanced by the inclusion of a space-saver tire and a 12V socket. Folding down the rear seats expands the capacity to 1518 litres.

The 'Divide-N-Hide' boot organiser also allows for versatile storage options, enabling you to conceal items beneath the floor when necessary.

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How do rivals compare on value?

With 24 models vying for attention in the mainstream small SUV segment, standing out to win over buyers in this competitive space is no small challenge.

This task becomes even more daunting when competing within the confines of a specialised and frequently more upscale hybrid sub-segment.

Leading competitors in the segment include the Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium N Line ($46,500 before on-road costs), Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos Hybrid 2WD ($47,030 before on-road costs), Kia Niro GT-Line Hybrid FWD ($50,580 before on-road costs), Honda HR-V e:HEV L ($47,000 before on-road costs) as well as more budget rivals like the Haval Jolion Hybrid Ultra ($40,990 drive-away).

As we saw with the launch of the X-Trail e-Power, it’s not the numbers alone that tell the positive story around the hybrid technology. Because frankly, if you’re looking at competitors like the Corolla Cross (4.3L/100km for the 2WD equivalent) then it’s not winning by a mile.

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This is where Nissan stresses the point of its electrification technology being different than direct rivals.

Because unlike a Corolla Cross hybrid, where the motor and engine work simultaneously to drive the car, the Qashqai is driven only through electric power for a quieter driving experience.

Does that mean you’d be willing to pay an extra $4560 between the Corolla Cross Atmos AWD FWD vs the Qashqai e-Power Ti (remembering its a front-wheel drive only)? Maybe.

Although wait times are slowly reducing on other key models like the RAV4, hybrid wait times for the 2WD hybrid are still extending out to 18 months.

Similarly, the HR-V offers a great hybrid proposition at 4.3L/100km as well, with a similar set of features in their top spec e:HEV L. Low price servicing as well sets the Honda at $199 per visit, with the same 10,000km intervals.

In terms of refinement the soft mould dashboard and open console and simple cabin layout make it more akin to a Mazda CX-30 than the Cross with its harder plastic trims.

It’s also an important factor to consider that whilst hitting the mid 50k mark, the Qashqai’s competitive set joins up with midsize SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, as well as the X-Trail e-POWER ST-L.

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What is it like to drive?

The basics

Like the standard Qashqai, the firmness of the ride on the e-Power's 19-inch alloy wheels is noticeable, but only significantly damaged surfaces made it feel unpleasant.

Unlike traditional hybrids, the petrol engine isn't required in most driving situations, so you're treated to an almost EV-like drive in regards to cabin ambience.

As for power, low-speed driving made the electric motor an ideal pairing. Demanding more, however, will deliver a far more vocal note as the turbo petrol engine kicks in.

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At the event, Nissan was keen to talk up the instant torque delivered by the Qashqai e-Power's electric motor and gearing, but our experience differed somewhat.

From a standing start, our Qashqai E-Power suffered noticeable hesitation, as if taking a moment to interpret our request for a quick launch. Once at speed, however, that famed electric motor feeling would kick in with a much faster response – but again, it's nothing like a real EV.

And really, that's the point. For buyers wanting the benefits of a car with an electric motor without so many futuristic aspects to learn, this is your middle ground.

A noticeable quirk for me was the sound that plays when reversing. It's designed to alert passengers around the largely silent car, but I couldn't help but feel self conscious as it's a bit of an alien-sounding chime.

In all, the Qashqai e-Power performs its job well. It offers a smooth, mostly-quiet and proficient driving experience with really commendable fuel economy results in real-world driving conditions.

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Fuel efficiency

The big question, of course, is fuel consumption – keeping in mind the quoted figure of 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.

During the launch event's drive out from Melbourne Airport to Daylesford, we kept the air conditioner running continuously for a real-world experience. Navigating the winding and hilly roads demanded additional power, too, with all of this resulting in a consumption figure of 5.7L/100km on arrival at our destination.

Our one-hour run down the freeway back to the airport however, saw us use as little as 4.5L/ 100km.

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How safe is it?

The entire Nissan Qashqai range scored five starts in its 2022 ANCAP safety report [↗], including the e-Power variant.

All Qashqai trims come equipped with advanced safety features including forward auto emergency braking (AEB) with detection for cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and junctions, as well as reverse AEB, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist

To aid parking, the model gets front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree monitor for enhanced visibility.

Of the range, the Ti exclusively has Nissan's 'ProPilot' semi-autonomous driving suite, combining lane-trace assist with adaptive cruise control featuring traffic jam assist similar to the Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line's 'Highway Travel Assist' functionality.

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Warranty and running costs

Nissan offers a five-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty for the Qashqai range, aligning with what has become a standard in the industry.

Servicing intervals are set at every 12 months or 10,000km – lower than petrol variants which are every 15,000km.

Over five years or 50,000km, routine servicing at a Nissan dealer will total $2230, averaging $446 annually. The sixth-year service (at 60,000km) will cost $619.

Purchasing a pre-paid maintenance plan will save you 10% or $223 over the first five-year period.

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VERDICT

The Qashqai e-Power distinguishes itself by straying from the traditional hybrid model, yet it also doesn't fit squarely into the electric car category; it occupies kind of a middle ground but without the impracticality of a plug-in hybrid.

This unique positioning, Nissan asserts, appeals to those interested in embracing electrification but not quite ready for a full transition.

With the latest iteration of the Qashqai, there's much to admire in terms of its aesthetics, comfort, and convenience. However, we can't overlook the pricing of the technology, particularly since it's introduced in a single specification trim, the flagship Ti.

If offered in lower grades, this technology could potentially rival favorites in its segment. Despite this, the true value lies in the serene and comfortable ride, which some find worth the investment.

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