To test yourself. Nissan Qashqai sets distant goals with e-power

This is a truly classic, non-rechargeable hybrid. But for the first time, the internal combustion engine doesn’t drive the wheels directly: it only powers the electric motor that drives the front wheels. Even more surprising: also for the first time, a gasoline engine adopts ultra-sophisticated technology with variable compression: high compression when accelerating slowly to limit consumption; compression is reduced when you need more power. In use, this hybrid Qashqai is smooth and progressive, never jerking. It is surprising – and not very good: if you demand an energetic recovery by hitting the accelerator, the responder may come immediately or, on the contrary, may be delayed for a second. It’s a lot. To make it modern, the old-fashioned gear lever has been forgotten, instead a kind of joystick has been installed between the front seats. Sliding control that does not seem very practical to use.

Consumption report: not so convincing

With such a technological deployment, you expect record consumption. Not so. Driving very smoothly on the road, we used 6.3 l. But be careful: it seems that the heating of the cabin forces the internal combustion engine to work too hard, penalizing the consumption very strongly. The heat was turned off (the outside air was 0°C…), the consumption decreased by one liter! Which just keeps getting better. Warning: consumption jumps if you are looking for a strong time by mashing the accelerator. In the city, the appetite rises to 6.5 liters. On the highway, it will be more, about 8.2 l. In short, there’s nothing too convincing: a non-hybrid engine could do the same.

Comfort: blows hot and cold

Considering the external clutter, the space offered on the plane is ample. The suspension seems pretty focused, but it’s bolstered a bit here by the big wheels. Good front seats. Big surprise: in the back, the bench seat on the two side seats looks very firm. Although the center seat is better padded and more comfortable: unlike other cars! The great smoothness of the ride is sometimes hampered by the start of the gasoline engine, which emits a rather harsh and unpleasant bass noise when operating at low idle. Otherwise, the rest of the time the car is rather quiet and road noise is well filtered. The fairly large central display offers moderately complex commands that are well supported by effective voice command.

Good price but…

In absolute terms, the prices seem well positioned relative to the competition. But the price of versions with a classic engine is less than 1300 euros. In terms of consumption, the supplement required for this engine is not completely justified.

we liked it

Comfortable driving, well-placed price, enough space and luggage, very decent comfort, most noticeable silence, good standard equipment.

We liked it less

Disappointing fuel consumption, especially in the city and on the highway, increased appetite when the heating is turned on, very limited rear 3/4 visibility, original and impractical speed control, uneven finish.

Qashqai e-Power from €38,200

Version tested : Qashqai e-Power Tekna, €43,000

Length : 4.43 m

Chest : 455 liters

Engine: 3-cylinder turbo gasoline, 1,497 cc, 158 hp, 190 hp electric motor.

Performance. 170 km/h (limited), 0 – 100 km/h: 7.9 sec.

Mixed consumption: 5.3 – 5.4 l depending on the equipment.

CHO₂ : 119 – 123 g/km depending on equipment.

Bonus Malus: neutral.

Basic equipment

19″ aluminum wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, front and rear radars, 360° camera, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, 12.3″ digital dashboard, 12.3″ touch screen, GPS, Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto, inductive laptop charger, four USB sockets, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, power driver’s seat, power tailgate.

Competitors

Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid Feel, €43,950

More power (225 hp), spacious and above all particularly comfortable, very perfect seats. It is more expensive because it is hybrid and rechargeable. It consumes a lot after the batteries run out.

Ford Kuga 2.5 FHEV Titanium, €41,900

Very suitable offer. Successful hybrid, good performance (190 hp), rich equipment, well-placed price. Big advantage, E 85 runs on ethanol: €0.87/litre. So: financially unbeatable.

Kia Sportage Hybrid Design, €43,890

A non-rechargeable hybrid like the Nissan. Good performance with 230 hp, smooth ride, response time during recovery. More space in the back. Poor rear view, firm seat.