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New Nissan Qashqai e-POWER is just like an EV, without a plug.

New Nissan Qashqai e-POWER – No Plug Required.

Now in its third generation, the all-new Nissan Qashqai reinvents the family crossover/SUV market segment that it created in 2007. Joining the range now is the all-new Qashqai e-POWER, which allows drivers to enjoy an exciting electrified driving experience. Nissan e-POWER is a unique technology that delivers a more responsive, quieter and efficient way to experience city driving. With a battery that is charged by a petrol engine, there is no need to plug in to charge, as the unique technology employed goes beyond a traditional hybrid.  

Unmistakable Styling.

Although unmistakably Qashqai in its styling, the third generation is more muscular, sharp and modern than its predecessors. The new Qashqai looks more solid and substantial too, despite growing by only 35mm in length and 32mm in width. It continues to give drivers a commanding sense of their environment with improved visibility, while a longer wheelbase has created more room for occupants. Additionally, luggage capacity has increased to 504-litres, representing a 74-litre increase over the previous generation. A clever boot floor arrangement means plenty of storage and load height options to boost flexibility, too. Parents of young children are sure to love the 85-degree opening angle of the rear doors, as this will make securing children into their seats less of a back-breaking exercise.

Unique ‘Linear Tune’ Tech.

With the Qashqai e-POWER, the front wheels are driven by a 187bhp electric motor fed by a small 2.1kWh battery. Instead of having to plug in to charge the battery, energy for it comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine that purrs away in the background at a steady rate. The benefits of this hybrid system are improved fuel efficiency (5.3-litres per 100km driven on a WLTP combined driving cycle) and lower emissions (119g/km) compared to other models in the Qashqai model range. Nissan has calibrated the system so that engine noise rises in tandem with acceleration, and this ‘Linear Tune’ technology ensures that the engine doesn’t roar under harsh acceleration like some hybrid’s do. Once there is sufficient charge in the battery, the engine will often become redundant around town. With a flick of a switch, you can activate ‘e-Pedal’ to remove the need to jump between two pedals in stop-start traffic, or when driving uphill. The regenerative braking system converts kinetic energy from deceleration into electrical energy, and feeds it back to the battery in order to improve fuel efficiency.

Four Trim Options.

Trim variants in the Qashqai e-POWER comprise of SV, SV Premium, SV Tech and SVE, all of which are available with a host of optional items and packs for ultimate personalisation. Additionally, all variants (with the exception of SV trim) can be specified with a two-tone paint combination for an even more dynamic look. An impressive array of comfort, convenience, safety, security and infotainment systems come as standard across all trim variants, and buyers can choose from a selection of eleven exterior colours.

Test Car.

My Qashqai e-POWER test car came in range-topping SVE trim and it was finished in glorious Pearl White metallic with a contrasting Black roof and exterior door mirror casings. The punchy electric motor has an output of 187bhp and 300Nm of torque, and this is enough to propel the car to 100km/h from a standstill in just 7.9-seconds. As a result, motorway speeds can be achieved smoothly and with ease, while city driving remains pleasurable at all times. The petrol engine independently turns on and off as required, and it does so in a harmonious fashion so that the occupants within the car don’t have their tranquillity disturbed. The Qashqai’s steering is light and accurate, which makes manoeuvring the car in and out of tight parking spaces a simple exercise. Noise and vibration are both reduced compared to a stand-alone petrol-powered family SUV, and this greatly benefits the Qashqai e-POWER’s overall refinement. The new Qashqai has been tuned for responsive handling as well as comfort, and the compliant suspension is good at cushioning occupants from all sorts of road imperfections. Exclusive standard equipment in SVE trim includes LED front fog lamps, Nappa quilted leather seats, driver and passenger seat 4-way electric lumbar support, electric passenger seat, advanced i-Key with memory functions for the driver seat and exterior mirrors, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, BOSE sound system with 10 speakers, and front massage seats with three modes. Featuring an extremely versatile cabin with lots of passenger space and improved cabin quality, the new Qashqai is certainly a force to be reckoned with in the family SUV market.

Verdict & Pricing.

The new e-POWER is the most appealing choice in the Qashqai range right now, and given the fact that it was the top-selling car in Ireland in March 2023, it looks like savvy Irish motorists in search of an efficient, refined, practical and comfortable family SUV can see the merits of Nissan’s new and innovative self-charging hybrid technology. The Qashqai e-POWER is quiet, relaxing, agile to drive, and it offers a smaller environmental footprint compared to conventional petrol-fuelled vehicles. The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER is on sale now, with pricing from €42,500.

Visit www.nissan.ie for further information.

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