Family SUV aims to blend traditional hybrid benefits with those of an EV On sale Now Price from £33,310
IT’S A HYBRID, JIM, but not as we know it. You see, while e-Power versions of the Nissan Qashqai feature an engine and electric motor as usual, they don’t work in the same way as in most other hybrids. That’s because the Qashqai’s 1.5-litre petrol engine never directly powers its wheels; instead, it’s used to keep a 2.1kWh battery continuously topped up with electricity, which in turn feeds a 187bhp electric motor that drives the front wheels.
This range-extender set-up means the Qashqai feels more like a nippy electric car than a traditional combustion-engined SUV; indeed, the 0-62mph sprint takes a swift 7.9sec. However, while this is the most efficient Qashqai by some margin, it’s worth noting that the more conventional Toyota C-HR hybrid will cost you even less to run.
Versions of the Qashqai equipped with the e-Power set-up don’t lose out to regular models in terms of space, but while there’s enough in the boot for your holiday luggage, the rival Seat Ateca and Skoda Karoq can hold more still.
No version of the Qashqai is short on luxuries, though, and even entry-level versions come with a broad range of safety kit, including blindspot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking.
Our pick 1.5 e-Power N-Connecta List price £35,480 Target Price £31,087 Target PCP £308 MPG 53.3 CO2 120g/km For Lots of standard safety kit; great driving position; smart interior Against Some rivals are sharper to drive; not as efficient as the best hybrids WHAT CAR? SAYS
Renault Clio
Our pick 1.6 E-Tech 145 Techno List price £22,795 Target Price £21,645 Target PCP £233 MPG 65.7 CO2 96g/km For Punchy performance; smooth petrol engine; excellent safety; practical boot Agai
