Nissan Qashqai e-Power: this is the hybrid version of the new 2021 Qashqai

Nissan has already unveiled the new 2021 Nissan Qashqai. The third generation of the best-selling SUV in our market arrives with a completely new platform and engine range, including for the first time a hybrid version, called e-Power. A hybrid that does not need a plug, but works differently from the rest of self-charging hybrids on the market.

Before going into detail on the hybrid version of the new Qashqai, let us review the main features with which the SUV from Nissan intends to keep reigning in its category.

The most important changes to the new 2021 Nissan Qashqai

The new platform, prepared for hybridisation, increases rigidity and reduces weight. Some elements are made of aluminium, such as the doors, wings or bonnet, while the tailgate is made of plastic. The front suspension remains McPherson, while for the rear suspension a solution already seen in the Group Volkswagen is used: torsion beam on some versions and multi-link on others, depending on the engine or drivetrain.

With dimensions that grow by barely 3 cm in length and width, the 2021 Qashqai offers more interior space and greater luggage capacity. The latter can vary between 450 and 500 litres, depending on whether it is a 4×2 or 4×4 version, as well as on the equipment fitted. But one of the most important advances in the interior is the improvement in quality and the upgrade in multimedia equipment, areas where the current Qashqai falls somewhat behind its more modern rivals.

Thus, the new Qashqai can now feature a digital instrument cluster reaching 12.3 inches, with a head-up display projecting information onto the windscreen, or different types of multimedia systems, with 8 or 9-inch screens, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation mapping is still entrusted to TomTom, and the voice recognition system is compatible with Google and Amazon assistants. You can also equip the ProPilot assistant, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, or matrix LED headlights.

For the engine range, in addition to the non-plug-in e-Power hybrid, the Qashqai offers two mild-hybrid MHEV variants of the 1.3 four-cylinder petrol engine with turbocharger, with 140 or 158 CV, and DGT ECO label.

The Qashqai hybrid Nissan: e-Power technology at full power

But the real revolution in the new Nissan Qashqai comes with the e-Power hybrid variant. To all intents and purposes it is a non-plug-in hybrid SUV, so it also qualifies for the DGT ECO label. And it drives like other self-charging hybrid cars.

The difference is that in the Nissan Qashqai e-Power the car is always propelled by a powerful electric motor generating 190 CV of power and 330 Nm of torque. The combustion engine has no connection to the wheels; it is a 1.5 three-cylinder petrol engine with 154 CV, which works to drive an electricity generator installed on board, responsible for powering the electric motor and recharging the battery.

It is not a new technology for Nissan: it is already used successfully in the Japanese market in the new Nissan Note. It sounds odd to refuel petrol to generate electricity on board and drive solely on the electric motor, separating the power of the combustion engine from the driving force reaching the wheels. But this has its advantages: the petrol engine can be kept running always at an optimal speed, with greater efficiency and lower emissions than if it had to drive the wheels.

For now there are no official performance figures beyond the homologated average consumption of 5.3 l/100 km. As for driving itself, behind the wheel you will notice nothing different compared with other hybrid cars, beyond the smoothness and immediacy of power delivery that characterises the electric motor. You can choose between three driving modes: normal, sport and eco. And the gear lever allows you to select a “B” mode to increase the regenerative braking of the electric motor, which also works as a generator when braking or lifting off the accelerator.

The rivals of the Nissan Qashqai e-Power hybrid

In this category many plug-in hybrid SUVs are beginning to appear. But there are not so many self-charging hybrids.

One of the closest rivals of the Qashqai is the Honda CR-V, which also has a very distinctive operation compared with other hybrids. As in the Nissan, the CR-V also prioritises the electric motor and uses the petrol engine to generate electricity. But in the Honda model, in many driving situations the petrol engine can also drive the vehicle. Here you can read the road test of the Honda CR-V. It quotes a power output of 184 CV, an average consumption from 6.6 l/100 km, and a starting price of 32,750 euros.

Another particularly interesting hybrid SUV is the Ford Kuga. It combines a 2.5 petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a maximum output of 190 CV, with a homologated combined-cycle consumption very close to that of the Qashqai: 5.4 l/100 km. It is available from around 34,000 euros, including discounts.

Among the newcomers, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, available from 35,000 euros, delivers 230 CV, homologates a consumption of 5.6 l/100 km, and is one of the best in its category for family use, thanks to its interior space and boot capacity, and also for the ride comfort it provides.

And when talking about hybrid SUVs, the Toyota Rav4 could not be missing from this category. Its price starts at 35,400 euros, it has an output of 218 CV and homologates an average consumption of 5.7 l/100 km. The all-wheel-drive versions use a second electric motor on the rear axle, and combined power reaches 222 CV.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverNissan Qashqai19 versions · from 32,200 €