BIG TORQUE - The Nissan Qashqai
REINVENTING the wheel may be impossible but Nissan has reinvented the hybrid with its Qashqai e-POWER Crossover.
The Qashqai’s unique e-POWER system is one of the many reasons it was crowned Hybrid Car of the Year at the 2024 News UK Motor Awards. Judges also loved its drive style, instant torque and smooth acceleration.
Wheel progress: Nissan has reinvented the hybrid engine
An instant trendsetter when launched in 2007, the Qashqai has become one of the most popular vehicles on the road – it was the UK’s third best-selling car in 2024. Designed, engineered and built in the UK for more than 15 years, the latest model is innovative, classy, practical and versatile. Beginning under the bonnet, the Qashqai reinvents the hybrid engine with its exclusive e-POWER powertrain technology. This technology uses a petrol engine and lithium ion battery to power an electric motor, which then exclusively drives the wheels of the car. By focusing on the electric motor drive and using the petrol engine only as a generator, e-POWER offers a decisive responsiveness that differs from the traditional hybrid. Regenerative braking – a technology first seen in F1 cars – also harvests friction to charge the engine. The powertrain provides instant torque and smoother acceleration.
The sportier new model is the best looking yet – with sharp, eye-catching styling, a more dynamic stance and chiselled “fast lines” running through the doors. Its reshaped, enlarged V-Motion chrome front grille, sleek LED front and rear lamps and a rear bumper with new inserts add to the Qashqai’s appeal. Inside, heightened levels of refinement are everywhere: multicoloured ambient lighting throughout the cabin; high-quality, tactile trims and fabrics; and a modern ergonomic and aesthetic quality to switches and buttons.
Flash deal: The car features advanced cabin controls
Advances are also apparent in the dash controls and infotainment system, with built-in Google apps – Assistant, Maps and Play – plus a suite of connected services integrating smartphones. Everything is controlled via the high-definition 12.3in infotainment screen that serves as the central hub to switch through navigation, entertainment and vehicle settings. The in-car wi-fi hotspot can serve up to seven devices, keeping the whole family entertained on the go whether it’s streaming, gaming or staying in touch. There’s also a dedicated interactive app – NissanConnect Services – that puts control at your fingertips, letting you remotely lock your car and even check fuel levels before you step inside. Got your hands full? No problem: Amazon Alexa5 and Google Assistant integration lets you control all your smart home devices from the Qashqai – without even needing to connect your phone. And with live traffic updates and real-time navigation, you’ll always know the best route to take, avoiding delays and making every journey smoother.
Put the boot in: Capacity has increased by over 50 litres from previous models
There are plenty of Nissan’s advanced safety features that contribute to its earning of a five-star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP). These include intelligent forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist recognition and lane departure warning, all as standard from the Acenta Premium grade. A 3D eight-point Around View Monitor7 provides an intelligent camera to help parking on the N-Connecta grade and above. Around the back, the powered hands-free tailgate8 comes as an additional option on the N-Design, making access to the boot effortless. Boot capacity has increased by more than 50 litres from previous generations, with over a dozen different configurations and wide-opening rear doors to make loading easier. There’s still plenty of storage around the cabin, with clever stash places and cup holders plus USB charging points. The new Qashqai is designed for every stage of life’s journey – from young couples out on adventures to growing, maturing families, for short hops, daily commutes and long hauls. No wonder it’s an award winner.
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