NISSAN QASHQAI E-POWER

Impressive crossover receives an unconventional series-hybrid powertrain

- ILLYA VERPRAET

TESTED 16.3.22, MADRID, SPAIN ON SALE SUMMER

It appears that car manufacturers listen to criticism; or more likely time their product launches so that they keep their best for last.

The Nissan Qashqai is a very good crossover, being well equipped and smoothly fitting into everyday life. It’s not the class leader, however, due to a dated infotainment system and, more jarringly, an underperforming engine paired to either an obstructive manual gearbox or a wheezy CVT.

When we road-tested the 1.3-litre petrol, we speculated that a smoother and more potent hybrid powertrain would complete the package. Having now driven the Qashqai e-Power, I can confirm that it mostly does.

It’s quite an unusual system in that it’s the only series hybrid on sale right now. If you’ve not been keeping up on your hybrid lingo, that means the engine drives a generator to charge a battery, with the wheels exclusively powered by an electric motor.