2024 Nissan Qashqai e-Power review

Hybrid powertrains have traditionally been done one way: by pairing an electric motor and traditional combustion engine, then having them take turns to accelerate a car. Improved fuel economy was the perk, but a sometimes-clunky transition between the two came as a side effect. Last year, Nissan Australia brought another hybrid option to our market by way of its e-Power system, debuting on the X-Trail SUV and now added to its little brother, the Qashqai. 

In short, the system uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol motor (with some impressive trick variable compression technology) as a generator to charge a 2.1kWh battery and run an electric motor that exclusively drives wheels. Claimed fuel savings and a driving experience akin to an EV – providing smoothness and responsiveness – are promised, all without shackling drivers to a charging network.  

How much does the 2024 Nissan Qashqai e-Power cost?

The e-Power is available only on the range-topping Ti trim for a $4200 premium, bringing the price to $51,590. Nissan says the system requires no additional space, resulting in nil sacrifice to the standard Qashqai’s impressive boot space (429 litres and 1524 litres with seats folded down) and 55-litre fuel tank.  

With the e-Power powertrain, fuel consumption drops from 6.1L/100km to a claimed 5.2L/100km, meaning those 55 litres of petrol – 95-octane at minimum is recommended – can get motorists 1000km of range. Our time with the Qashqai e-Power confirmed the figure, with use averaging out to about 5.5L/100km. 

2024 Nissan Qashqai e-Power tech and styling

With the Qashqai e-Power ultimately being a Qashqai Ti, styling and tech remains the same. This means buyers get sharp exterior styling and a luxuriously appointed cabin, especially for the price point, with soft-touch materials featured throughout. A 12.3-inch centre screen (complemented by a 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen and a 10.8-inch head-up display) features wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, sat nav with live traffic updates, and DAB+ radio.

2024 Nissan Qashqai e-Power driving and performance

Driving the Qashqai e-Power is a unique experience. A single-ratio transmission means there’s a constant surge of torque without the delay of gear shifts. The petrol engine whirs to life when power is needed but, although well-muffled, can be heard during high load. Despite the electric motor, there’s still a small delay between mashing the throttle and acceleration due to the engine needing to wind up. We’d put response at about the halfway mark between an EV and a modern torque converter automatic, and still a clear improvement over most combustion engine and auto box combos.

Outputs of 140kW/330Nm are more than ample. Given the powertrain can achieve and maintain these figures so quickly, the Qashqai e-Power feels faster on-road than its 7.9 second 0-100km/h sprint would suggest.

Nissan engineers have also done a fine job masking the extra 204kg the e-Power system adds to the Qashqai platform. Balance is good even with the extra heft, the only trade-off coming as a semi-firm ride on some surfaces.

A single-pedal drive mode can be selected but will not bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Nissan says this is something its buyers have asked for. An electric-only mode allows for silent, EV driving for about 2-3km.

Final thoughts?

The e-Power system works well with the Qashqai platform, providing additional performance, comfort and economy to what is already a strong offering. Picking the Qashqai e-Power as a cost-saving strategy alone, however, will never add up. The premium is steep and a good many kilometres need to be driven to recoup the outlay. For this reason, the e-Power setup should be viewed in part as a fuel (and thus cost) saver, with most of the benefit coming as an improved driving experience – and believe us, it is a nice thing to drive.

Pros: Punchy acceleration; frugal; cabin finish and ambience

Cons: Additional cost; other hybrid rivals more economical