The Qashqai compact Nissan SUV has turned its back on the past to embrace
petrol/electric power with the company’s own unique innovative e-Power hybrid
powertrain.
Upgrades stretch across the whole range from the entry-level ST-L, where prices start
at $45,640, plus on-road costs. The Ti comes in at $49,640 and Ti-L $53,640. A new N-
Design Nissan’s Ti-L e-Power jumps to $52,365, while the new N-Design e-Power tops
off the range at $54,140. On test was the mid-spec Ti-L e-Power.
Nissan’s e-Power system, a series hybrid where a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine
charges a battery that powers an electric motor driving the front wheels. The system
produces 140kW and 330Nm, offering EV-like responsiveness and smooth acceleration.
Unlike conventional hybrids, the petrol engine never directly drives the wheels,
enhancing refinement and reducing engine noise.
Based on the MY25 Qashqai, the model does introduce Nissan’s Connected Car
Services in Australia, giving owners mobile access to key vehicle information, including
health and status reports, trip history and vehicle variations.
Qashqais are covered by Nissan’s generous ten-year 300,000-kilometre conditional
warranty, plus roadside assistance for a similar period. Capped price servicing (with
conditions) is available for the first five years.
STYLING
The new Qashqai design language, says Nissan, is punctuated by ‘commas’ kicked off
up front by high gloss, 3-D comma-shaped elements appearing to float between the
bonnet lip and number plate.
Flanking this space, on higher grades, the ‘commas’ are finished in a ‘satin chrome’ foil
stamp. New headlamps add a sharper look, while daytime running lights below the lens
ape the commas of the main grille and join up with a thin light harking back to the
previous Qashqai.
The upper DRL becomes the turn indicator when called on, latter featuring dynamic
operation at the front and rear of the vehicle, depending on the grade. The elements out
back copy the front grille commas with their distinctive ‘super red’ shade and clear
lenses.
Nissan has wheeled out a string of designs and sizes, starting with 17-inch alloys for the
ST, 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels adorn the ST-L, the Ti gets 19-inch alloys, while
the Ti-L and new N-Design feature new 20-inch diamond-cut wheel designs.
Three new colours have been added to the Qashqai spectrum, including Pearl White,
Black Onyx and Deep Ocean. On top of everything, there is an option of a black roof on
Ti grade and above.
INTERIOR
Designers have put on a polished performance in the cabin, which comes in for an
‘upscale ambience’ centred on new patterned materials on the centre console and insert
between the dashboard and glovebox.
The Ti-Ls are dressed up by Alcantara on the dash, door inserts and armrests, centre
console storage lid and knee pads, although the cup holders and cubby armrest are too
far to the rear to reach comfortably. Mood shaping ambient lighting has a range of
colours.
Seats are PVC and leather accented, the front heated, with the driver boasting an eight-
way power adjustable position with memory function, the passenger with lumbar
support. The Ti-L ePower boasts an advanced 10.8-inch windscreen head-up display.
Boot space in the Ti-L is a generous 452 litres with seat backs in position and 1376 litres
with the backs folded. Powertrain mechanicals leave room only for a temporary spare.
INFOTAINMENT
From the ST up the Qashqai is fitted with a 12.3-inch centre-mounted touchscreen with
wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a similar-size TFT Advanced Drive Assist
display instrument cluster.
The MY25 generation debuts Nissan Connected Car Services in Australia. By
downloading the app owners are given access to their vehicle’s ‘health’ and status
information and trip history. Theft and tow alerts are also included.
As befits its position in the Qashqai scheme of things the Ti-L e-Power boasts a Bose
10-speaker audio – two tweeters, six high and medium frequency door/front pillar
speakers.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
As with the previous model, the newbie calls on one of two powertrains. One pairs a
1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (110kW/250Nm) with CVT
transmission. Three drive modes – standard, eco and sport – add to ride and handling
versatility.
The other is Nissan’s clever e-Power set-up, comprising a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-
petrol unit, with a power generator, inverter and electric motor, delivering a combined
output of 140kW and 330Nm.
Nissan’s e-Pedal Step and regenerative braking have the e-Power behaving like a full
electric EV, leaving the internal combustion engine only to charge the battery.
SAFETY
The Qashqai attracts a five-star rating from ANCAP’s 2021 crash testing. Standard
features include seven airbags, including front-centre, while autonomous emergency
braking features pedestrian and cyclist detection, plus junction assist.
Also across the range are active speed limiter, adaptive cruise control, blind spot
monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision and lane departure warning, lane
keep assist, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, traffic sign recognition and tyre
pressure monitor.
The Ti-L e-Power provides 360-degree camera, moving object detection, front parking
sensors, ProPILOT lane centring, alarm system, intelligent park assist (semi-auto park)
and side parking sensors.
DRIVING
The Qashqai Ti-L e-Power chassis is set up on the sporty side, the stiff suspension and
20-inch wheels competing with the softer clubby surrounds in a cabin that well insulates
occupants from engine and road noise.
Handling and steering feedback are positive, the latter, once again, subject to jarring on
bigger bumps in the bitumen. Maximum electric torque is enough to give handy getaway
and acceleration, something that often plagues CVT-equipped models.
Nissan rates Qashqai Ti-L e-Power fuel consumption on the combined urban/highway
cycle at 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The test vehicle recorded 4.8 litres per 100
kilometres on the motorway and nine to ten litres per 100 kilometres in day-to-day city
and suburban work. Premium unleaded petrol (95 RON) is recommended by the maker.
Drive Modes range from eco (laidback), normal (down to business) to sport (added
pep).
SUMMARY
Ostensibly the Ti-L e-Power is a full EV driven by electricity alone. There is no plug-in
battery charging of the e-Power. This is achieved by Nissan’s unique series hybrid
system. The petrol engine is not connected at any time directly to the wheels. As for
efficiency and reliability, the jury is still out on this
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 6
Safety – 7
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 7
Value – 8
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Nissan Qashqai ST-L e-Power $45,640
Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Power $49,640
Nissan Qashqai Ti-L e-Power $53,640
Nissan Qashqai N-Design e-Power $54,140
Note: These prices do not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
Nissan local dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Nissan Qashqai Ti 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo-petrol, range extender hybrid,
1sp, FWD, SUV)
ENGINE
Configuration: four cylinders inline
Combined Maximum power 140kW @ 4900-5900rpm
Combined Maximum torque: 311Nm @ 0-3600rpm
Fuel type: Premium unleaded 91 RON
Combined fuel cycle: (ADR 81/02) 4.8L/100km
CO2 emissions 92g/km
DRIVELINE: 1sp auto, FWD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4425mm
Width: 1835mm
Height: 1625mm
Wheelbase: 2665mm:
Turning circle: 11.10m
Kerb weight: 1701kg
Fuel tank: 55L
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Ten years / 300,000 kilometres (conditional)
Capped price servicing five years
Roadside assist 10 years
