Qashqai with new e-POWER beats key rivals in comprehensive tests

The latest version of Nissan’s unique e-POWER technology has won plenty of plaudits since its introduction earlier this year.

And now, new e-POWER has helped the Nissan Qashqai come top in road tests carried out by two of the UK’s leading automotive titles: Auto Express and Parkers. In both tests, Qashqai with new e-POWER was pitted against a Kia Sportage; and in the Auto Express exercise, a VW Tiguan was included too.

Auto Express had high praise for the latest version of Qashqai’s clever hybrid technology, which it described as ‘‘smoother, more refined and slightly quicker than before, while also delivering excellent real-world efficiency’’.

Qashqai certainly impressed, achieving an Auto Express ranking of four-and-a-half stars out of five.

Much more advanced

The title said the Nissan’s ride was the best of the trio, adding: ‘‘The Qashqai’s powertrain sets it apart. It has the smoothness, responsiveness and very nearly the refinement of a full EV.’’

And the praise didn’t stop there! Auto Express said: ‘‘Qashqai feels the most hi-tech car here. Its hybrid powertrain is much more advanced than the Sportage or Tiguan’s set-up, with electrical power playing a much greater part than in either rival. Nissan’s Google-based infotainment is slick, loads quickly and looks great.

‘‘The Qashqai’s e-POWER system is the most efficient powertrain here. We averaged 52.5mpg on test, comfortably beating the Sportage (43.8mpg) and the Tiguan (39.5mpg).

‘‘The Qashqai is also the only model here to get three years’ breakdown cover; the other two come with a 12-month package.’’

In delivering its verdict, Auto Express said Nissan’s e-POWER tech has ‘‘the responses, smoothness and very nearly the refinement of a fully electric car, but with the flexibility of a fuel-sipping petrol engine that allows for huge ranges between refills.’’

A lot more refined

Over at Parkers, Qashqai was hailed as ‘‘king of the hill’’ as it again triumphed against the Kia Sportage in a twin test that looked at practicality, interior quality, performance and price.

The Parkers team said Qashqai’s handling was a lot more refined than the Sportage’s, adding: ‘‘It cuts through the air a little more cleanly and its swanky new engine is far less raucous when you’re driving quickly, as it’s barely ticking over in the background. Where the driving experience is concerned, the Qashqai has the Sportage beaten, hands down.’’

Turning to running costs, Parkers said: ‘‘Here’s where the Qashqai really gets into its stride. Good grief, it’s efficient. During our testing, the Sportage returned a respectable 43mpg. But the Qashqai managed an incredible 53mpg.

‘‘That’s bordering on diesel levels of efficiency – and, if that figure holds true for the 7,000 miles most drivers average annually, the Qashqai should save you around £200 per year in fuel when compared to the Sportage.

Best all-rounder

‘‘As an added benefit, the Qashqai is far better to drive. We really weren’t prepared for how much fun you can have in it on the right road. It steers and corners far more keenly. The Qashqai is easily the best all-rounder, which is probably why Nissan’s factories can’t build them quickly enough.’’