The hugely popular Nissan Qashqai has been given a boost with major improvements to the optional ‘e-Power’ hybrid powertrain.
First introduced in 2022, the Nissan Qashqai e-Power is different from other hybrid SUVs because it uses its petrol engine solely to generate energy for a lithium-ion battery, which in turn powers the electric motor that actually drives the front wheels. The idea is that the system delivers a more EV-like driving experience, but without needing to plug the car in to charge.
This updated e-Power setup follows the Qashqai’s mid-life facelift in 2024, which introduced a new design and interior technology to help it secure a top three position in the best-selling cars of 2024 list.
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According to Nissan, the engine is all-new. It’s still the same size as before, being a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, but there’s now Nissan’s new ‘STARC combustion concept’ to increase thermal efficiency to 42 per cent, a larger turbocharger that results in lower revs at cruising speeds and more efficient lubricating oil to extend service intervals from 9,000 miles to 12,000 miles. The end result of this is the Qashqai e-Power’s 54mpg average WLTP combined fuel economy has been boosted to 62mpg. CO2 emissions have dropped from 117g/km to 102g/km, too.
It’s more powerful as well. Before, you got an 181bhp electric motor fed by the petrol engine, but now there’s 202bhp, which should lower the 7.9-second 0-62mph time. The new e-Power system is more refined according to Nissan as well, with a drop of 5.6 decibels compared to the old iteration. There’s no word yet on whether these new updates will translate to the larger Nissan X-Trail’s slightly different all-wheel drive e-4orce e-Power system.
The new set-up is also said to be 20 per cent less expensive so we’re hopeful the Qashqai e-Power’s entry point won’t increase from its current £30,615 price tag when it goes on sale in September.
The updated Nissan Qashqai e-Power will be built at the brand’s plant in Sunderland, along with the new third-generation Nissan Leaf that’s now been revealed and is due to enter production before the end of the year. The next Nissan Juke, which is coming in 2026, will be built in the same plant.
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