Nissan Qashqai E-POWER Review: Is It Worth It?

by Alex Braham 47 views

Hey everyone, let's dive into the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER and see if this hybrid SUV is the real deal, especially for us here in the UK. We'll explore everything from its performance and fuel economy to its tech and practicality. So, if you're thinking about getting one, or you're just curious, stick around! This in-depth Nissan Qashqai e-POWER review aims to provide all the information. The Qashqai has always been a popular choice in the UK, but the e-POWER version brings something new to the table: a self-charging hybrid system. This means you get the benefits of an electric vehicle (EV) without ever having to plug it in. The petrol engine acts as a generator, powering the electric motor, which in turn drives the wheels. Sounds interesting, right? Let's break it down further. We'll start with the basics: what is e-POWER? Essentially, it's a unique hybrid setup where the petrol engine never directly drives the wheels. Instead, it charges the battery, which then powers the electric motor. This design gives you the smooth, instant acceleration of an EV, along with the convenience of a petrol engine for longer journeys. This makes a lot of sense for a lot of people! No more range anxiety, but all the benefits of electric driving. The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER competes in a crowded market, so it needs to stand out. It goes up against the likes of the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, the Toyota C-HR, and even the Kia Niro. These are all worthy competitors and so the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER must really bring it to the table to make a name for itself. In this review, we'll try to determine if it does! We will discuss everything.

Driving Experience: How Does the e-POWER System Perform?

Alright, let's talk about the fun stuff: how the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER feels on the road. The instant torque from the electric motor is definitely noticeable. It makes for quick acceleration, especially from a standstill. Overtaking on the motorway feels effortless, and the car is generally responsive. It's a noticeable improvement over the standard petrol Qashqai, which can feel a little sluggish. The e-POWER system provides a really smooth driving experience. The transition between the petrol engine and the electric motor is seamless, so you barely notice when the engine kicks in to recharge the battery. The car is also pretty quiet, especially at lower speeds, which adds to the feeling of refinement. The e-Pedal is another cool feature. It allows you to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. When you lift off the accelerator, the car will brake gently, recovering energy in the process. It takes a little getting used to, but once you do, it makes driving in stop-start traffic a breeze. However, it’s not a full one-pedal driving like you get in some EVs. In the Qashqai, you’ll still need the brake pedal for more serious stops. The steering is light and easy, making the car a good choice for city driving, and it's also pretty easy to park. On the open road, the Qashqai feels stable and composed, and it handles corners well enough for its class. It's not a sports car, but it's more than capable of handling everyday driving. Overall, the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER offers a really pleasant driving experience. It's smooth, quiet, and responsive, with the added benefit of good fuel economy. It has a nice, comfortable ride, making it suitable for both city commutes and longer journeys. The e-POWER system is the star of the show here. It sets this version apart from the standard petrol versions and truly enhances the driving experience. Driving the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER feels modern and refined.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs: Is it Really Cheaper to Run?

So, fuel economy – the million-dollar question! The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER promises great things in terms of efficiency, but does it deliver in the real world? Officially, Nissan claims the e-POWER can achieve up to 56.5 mpg (miles per gallon) combined. However, in real-world driving conditions, you can expect figures closer to 45-50 mpg, depending on your driving style and the type of journeys you do. This is still pretty good, and it's significantly better than the standard petrol versions, particularly in city driving, where the electric motor is used more frequently. Running costs are one of the most important considerations for any car. The e-POWER’s fuel efficiency helps keep those costs down. Road tax is another area to consider. The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER falls into a relatively low tax bracket because of its hybrid nature, which helps keep your annual costs down. Servicing costs should be similar to those of other petrol Qashqais, but potentially lower, as the electric motor takes some of the strain. It's worth factoring in that the electric motor has fewer moving parts than a traditional engine, which could lead to lower maintenance costs in the long run. There are also potential savings to be made on fuel. If you do a lot of short journeys, you will be able to utilize the electric motor more, which means you will use less petrol. Also, if you live in a location where there are emissions-based charges, you may find that the e-POWER can minimize these costs because of its reduced emissions. However, don’t expect the fuel consumption of a full EV. It’s still a petrol car, so it will still need fuel. In conclusion, the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER offers competitive fuel economy. The real-world figures are quite good and compare favorably to similar petrol cars. The lower road tax and the potential for reduced servicing costs add up to make the e-POWER a fairly affordable car to run.

Interior and Practicality: Is the Qashqai e-POWER a Comfortable Family Car?

Let’s move on to the inside of the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER and see if it's a good place to spend time. The interior design is modern and well-laid-out. The materials used feel of good quality, and the overall impression is of a car that's well-built. The dashboard has a sleek, minimalist design, with a large infotainment screen that controls many of the car's functions. The seats are comfortable, with plenty of adjustment options, and there's good headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Qashqai has always been praised for its practicality, and the e-POWER version is no exception. The boot is a decent size, and there’s plenty of space for luggage and shopping. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, which increases the cargo capacity even further. It has a good amount of storage space throughout the cabin, including a large glovebox, door pockets, and a central armrest with storage. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a responsive touchscreen. It comes with features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. So it's easy to connect your smartphone and access your favourite apps. The instrument cluster is fully digital, displaying useful information about the car's performance and fuel economy. The car also has a range of driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features enhance safety and make long journeys less tiring. The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER is a comfortable and practical family car. It has a well-designed interior, plenty of space for passengers and luggage, and a range of useful features. Overall, the interior of the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER is definitely a strong point.

Technology and Features: What's Included?

Let's talk tech, guys! The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER comes packed with a decent amount of technology. The infotainment system is the centerpiece, as we mentioned earlier, featuring a large touchscreen display. The system is easy to use, and you'll find it integrates well with your smartphone, thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trim levels often include a premium sound system. It can make a real difference, especially on those longer journeys! The digital instrument cluster is another highlight. It's configurable, and it displays all the information you need in a clear and concise manner. You can customize the display to show different data, such as fuel economy, navigation, and driver-assistance warnings. Speaking of driver assistance, the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER is equipped with a range of safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, and lane-keeping assist, which helps you stay in your lane. Automatic emergency braking is standard, which can help prevent or mitigate collisions. Other tech features may include a head-up display. It projects important information onto the windscreen, so you can keep your eyes on the road. Parking sensors and a reversing camera make parking easier, and you may find features like blind-spot monitoring on some models. The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER offers a good level of technology. It is a well-equipped car for its price. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the driver-assistance features add an extra layer of safety and convenience.

Trim Levels and Options: Which One is Right for You?

Alright, let's look at the different trim levels available for the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER. Nissan usually offers a few different grades, each with a different set of features and equipment. The entry-level Visia trim usually comes with the basics, such as air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a range of safety features. The Acenta trim adds more features, such as larger alloy wheels, parking sensors, and a more sophisticated infotainment system. N-Connecta is a popular choice. It adds even more tech and comfort features, such as a larger touchscreen, a reversing camera, and a range of driver-assistance systems. The Tekna trim is usually the top-of-the-line. It includes premium features, such as leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system. Nissan often offers optional packages, too. These can include extra features. Some examples are advanced driver-assistance systems or upgraded infotainment systems. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when choosing a trim level. If you need a lot of tech and luxury, the Tekna is a great choice. If you are looking to be frugal, the Acenta or N-Connecta trims will provide a really good balance of features and value. Always check the latest specifications to make sure you know what each trim level offers. This is important as features may change from year to year. Make sure you do your research and compare the different options before making a decision. Choosing the right trim level for your Nissan Qashqai e-POWER is about finding the right balance of features, value, and price.

Reliability and Safety: How Safe and Dependable is It?

Let's consider Nissan Qashqai e-POWER's reliability and safety. The Qashqai has a pretty good reputation for reliability. Nissan, in general, is known for building cars that last. The e-POWER system is still relatively new. However, the initial feedback has been positive. The simplicity of the electric motor, with fewer moving parts than a conventional engine, could mean that it has the potential for greater reliability. However, only time will tell. Nissan provides a standard warranty, usually around three years or 60,000 miles, which gives you some peace of mind. Safety is a key area, and the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER has performed well in safety tests, such as those conducted by Euro NCAP. It typically achieves a high safety rating, thanks to its strong body structure and a range of safety features. These include airbags, electronic stability control, and a range of driver-assistance systems, such as lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking. These features can help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers. The Qashqai also has a good reputation for build quality, so the car will feel robust and well-made. However, as with any car, it's essential to keep up with regular servicing and maintenance to ensure the car stays in good condition. The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER appears to be a safe and dependable choice. It is a car that should provide you with reliable transport. The safety features and good build quality will also provide you with peace of mind. In general, the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER is a car you can rely on!

Pros and Cons: A Quick Summary

Alright, let’s wrap things up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER:

Pros:

  • Smooth and Responsive Driving: The instant torque from the electric motor provides quick acceleration and a pleasant driving experience.
  • Good Fuel Economy: The e-POWER system offers impressive fuel efficiency, especially in city driving.
  • Practical Interior: The Qashqai offers a spacious cabin, a decent-sized boot, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
  • Well-Equipped: It comes with a good level of technology and safety features.
  • Competitive Pricing: The Qashqai is competitively priced within its class.

Cons:

  • Real-World Fuel Economy: While good, real-world fuel economy may not match the official figures.
  • Not a Full EV: The petrol engine will still need fuel, and you cannot drive the car fully electric.
  • e-Pedal: The e-Pedal system takes a little getting used to.

Verdict: Is the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER Worth Buying in the UK?

So, after everything we've covered, is the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER worth buying in the UK? In my opinion, yes, it absolutely is! The e-POWER system is the star of the show. It provides a unique driving experience that’s smooth, quiet, and responsive. The fuel economy is also really good, especially compared to other petrol SUVs. The Qashqai is practical, well-equipped, and competitively priced. It’s a great choice for families and anyone looking for a comfortable and efficient SUV. It’s perfect for the UK market. The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER is a strong contender in a competitive market. It offers a compelling mix of performance, efficiency, and practicality. It is a car that you should seriously consider if you are in the market for a new SUV in the UK. The Nissan Qashqai e-POWER stands out as a smart choice!