Say hello to…
…the Nissan Qashqai which, after its mid-life update a year ago, has now gained a new hybrid powertrain which is more efficient and more powerful.
The new 205hp e-Power hybrid system runs mostly with the petrol engine operating as a generator, when needed, to charge the battery. In turn this powers the front wheels. The battery also charges via regenerative braking.
Nissan’s Qashqai trim levels remain:
- Acenta Premium
- N-Connecta
- N-Design
- Tekna
- Tekna+
Standard equipment on the Acenta Premium includes 18-inch alloys, intelligent cruise control, auto rear braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, lane keeping, rear view camera, rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 12.3-inch touchscreen, 2x USB sockets dual zone climate control, auto wipers, drive modes and keyless start.
N-Connecta adds wireless phone charger, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Google assistant and uprated surround view.
N-Design adds 20-inch alloys, part Alcantara leather seat trim, two-tone paint and LED rear sequential indicator lights.
On top of N-Connecta, Tekna adds 19-inch alloys, powered driver’s seat with memory, memory key, head-up display and powered tailgate plus LED rear sequential indicator lights.
Tekna+ adds Alcantara trim and two tone paint.
Is the Nissan Qashqai e-Power suitable for my fleet?
While the Qashqai isn’t a plug-in hybrid, PHEVs aren’t for all and the next best option for lower mileage drivers is a full hybrid such as the latest Qashqai. With the Qashqai, Nissan has always excelled at producing a car that suits as many people as possible. It’s well constructed, incredibly well thought out and practical as well as supremely easy to use.
The new power system means a 15hp boost in power, a near 10mpg improvement in fuel consumption, a very slightly quicker 0-60mph time and a CO2 figure which drops the Qashqai two BIK bands to 26%. Service intervals have also been increased by 3000 miles to 12,000 miles.
Leasing a Nissan Qashqai e-Power
Gateway2lease is offering the Qashqai for £355 a month on a 3+36 10,000 miles a year contract for the Tekna specification model. Gensen Reports forecasts a maintenance cost of £40 a month. Class 1A NIC comes in at £105 a month.
Driving a Nissan Qashqai e-Power
The driving experience from the new hybrid system is broadly similar to before. In other words, the Qashqai e-Power is incredibly easy to live with.
While there’s a slight disconnect between the engine noise and the power delivery, the refinement levels, which were already good, have been improved. The additional power is barely noticeable, but while we didn’t test the car for long enough to provide a definitive real-world fuel efficiency figure, the trip readout claimed a figure just over 10mpg better than we recorded with the previous hybrid; 53mpg.
What’s not changed (and didn’t need to) was the way the Qashqai drives.
Visibility is excellent thanks to a high driving position and pillars that don’t particularly obstruct your vision. The steering is light and precise and the suspension is set up for just the right level of comfort without there being too much bodyroll when cornering. The brakes are well-judged in terms of progression and the e-Pedal regenerative function is smooth to use.
The Qashqai’s cabin and seats add to the overall sense of ease of use. The seats are comfortable while all the technology is logically laid out.
Verdict on the Nissan Qashqai
A great all-rounder, now with an even more attractive hybrid powertrain.
Nissan Qashqai
- Model: Qashqai Tekna e-Power
- Power: 205hp
- Torque: 330Nm
- Max speed: 105mph
- 0-62mph: 7.6s
- Official fuel: 62.8mpg
- Test fuel: n/a
- CO2 emissions: 103g/km
- BIK tax band 2025/26: 26%
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