New Nissan Qashqai e-Power 2025 review: impressive efficiency in an unusual way
The Nissan Qashqai received much more aggressive styling, an interior overhaul and new Google-backed tech as part of its extensive mid-lift facelift last year, but there were no changes under the bonnet at the time. Presumably because the brand's engineers were still toiling away on the next evolution of its e-Power hybrid system, which is finally ready to be rolled out later this month.
The unique set-up is designed to deliver as close to an EV-like driving experience as possible – without the driver having to worry about range or charging – by only using an electric motor to drive the front wheels. The petrol engine acts solely as a generator to charge a 1.8kWh lithium-ion battery, which in turn powers the e-motor.
For the third iteration of its e-Power set-up, Nissan has designed an all-new five-in-one electric drive unit that shares core components with the latest Leaf EV. By putting everything into one unit, not only does it mean the system is now more efficient, but it also emits less noise and vibrations, to help improve refinement. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View Qashqai View Qashqai View Qashqai View Qashqai
There's also a new, dedicated 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a larger turbocharger so the motor doesn't have to rev as high on the motorway, further boosting refinement and efficiency simultaneously, while the company's 'STARC combustion concept' supposedly improves thermal efficiency by up to 42 per cent. As well as reducing fuel consumption, Nissan has managed to increase the service intervals from 9,000 to 12,000 miles, which will allow buyers to save money on maintenance. Advertisement - Article continues below
The result of all this is that the Qashqai e-Power can now average up to 62mpg, compared with roughly 54mpg before. It also consumes less fuel while cruising on the motorway which, in theory, should allow drivers to cover up to 745 miles on a single tank of petrol. Meanwhile CO2 emissions have dropped from 117g/km to 102g/km, and cabin noise has fallen by 5.6dB.
Nissan has also tweaked the hybrid system's power output, because customers apparently wanted to feel more of a difference when switching into Sport mode. Now, in Normal mode, the e-motor produces 188bhp and 311Nm of torque, but switching to Sport ups it to 203bhp and 330Nm; that's enough to whittle the official 0-62mph time down from 7.9 to 7.6 seconds. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below
To try and appreciate the improvements in the driving experience, we tested the outgoing and new Qashqai e-Power back-to-back, and there is a definite (if very subtle) improvement in refinement. For instance, the old engine sounded harsher and seemed to emit a constant drone while cruising on the motorway, then roaring into life when we floored the throttle. By contrast, the new one is generally much quieter, especially on the motorway, as Nissan promised. Advertisement - Article continues below
In town, however, we found it impossible to tell the difference between the two cars, which is understandable because both are propelled by a silent electric motor. We often noticed a delay in power delivery when trying to accelerate, however, which breaks the illusion that you're driving an EV.
We still like the stronger regenerative braking setting, which Nissan calls the e-Pedal mode, that you activate easily by a pressing button on the centre console. It might not deliver the genuine one-pedal driving you get in some EVs, but it does slow the car considerably when you lift off the throttle and helps in town-centre traffic. The only downside is that, when you hit the open road, the brake pedal doesn't feel as natural as when you switch the system off.
Nissan says it's also updated its 'ProPilot' adaptive cruise control system. Among the improvements are an automatic and predictive speed limit function, which can slow the car down in preparation for a new speed limit to help prevent drivers from getting tickets. Unfortunately, the company hasn't come up with an easier way for drivers to silence the incessant bonging from the various other driver-assistance systems.
The speed-limit warning and lane-keep assist were particularly vocal during our test drive. To turn systems like this off, you have to use the buttons on the steering wheel to trawl through various menus on the digital driver's display, which is as slow, overly complicated and distracting a process as it sounds. We're surprised Nissan hasn't found an easier solution for drivers, like the 'My Safety Perso' button you get in Renaults and Dacias.
We've been told the new Nissan Qashqai e-Power will cost the same as the existing version, which is available from £34,860 – nearly £2,000 more than a mild-hybrid automatic model in the same specification. The first cars featuring the new and improved e-Power set-up are due to arrive on customers' driveways by September. Model: Nissan Qashqai e-Power Tekna+ Price: £39,155 On sale: July Powertrain: 1.5-litre 3cyl petrol hybrid Power/torque: 203bhp/330Nm Transmission: Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 7.6 seconds Top speed: 105mph Economy/CO2: 62mpg/102g/km Size (L/W/H): 4,425/1,835/1,575mm
Got the Nissan Qashqai on your mind? Take a look at our latest deals on a new Nissan Qashqai , or find top prices on a used Nissan Qashqai . Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July Car Deal of the Day: Peugeot 208 GT is a sharp supermini for less than £180 a month
Car Deal of the Day: Peugeot 208 GT is a sharp supermini for less than £180 a month
It may be getting on a bit, but thanks to distinctive styling you really wouldn't know it – Peugeot's 208 is our Deal of the Day for 7 July
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