We've tested the new Qashqai e-Power, a plug-in hybrid SUV with the fuel consumption and range of a diesel.

Nissan is currently presenting the new generation of its e-Power technology to the European press in Barcelona. This is the third generation, although the first never made it to our market. The Japanese brand explains that this hybrid SUV, the Qashqai, has the range and fuel consumption of a diesel and has significantly improved driving comfort.

In any case, this new generation of the e-Power continues to prove itself an interesting alternative to full electrification, as its operation doesn't depend on finding a charging station. It's a hybrid whose gasoline engine works as a generator, and the car is always moving thanks to the electric motor's thrust. And, most importantly, the Qashqai e-Power is, in our opinion, the most original, quietest, and most efficient hybrid in its category.

Available from September at the brand's dealerships, and at the same price as before, Nissan's flagship SUV could be a very interesting car if you're looking for a hybrid in this segment that consumes little fuel, offers good road response, and offers excellent ride comfort.

The presentation in Barcelona began with a visit to the Nissan technical center in Barcelona's Zona Franca. This work center is dedicated to R&D and powertrain systems and has 300 employees—mostly engineers—who play a key role in the development of this hybrid technology. This is worth explaining because of its importance in the automotive production process.

When Nissan introduced the first Qashqai e-Power three years ago, the brand spoke of a transitional technology. It was a sensible way to offer something different, one that wouldn't force the user to rely exclusively on electricity. Now, with the new Qashqai e-Power, Nissan is going a step further, offering greater efficiency and comfort, and everything seems to indicate that the transition will continue, and likely continue for quite some time.

They explain to us that fuel consumption has been reduced from 5.1 to 4.5 liters (according to WLTP certification) and that the range has reached 1,200 kilometers, making it an ideal car for long journeys. The increased on-board comfort is due to a 5.6 dB reduction in cabin noise, which is equivalent to having an interior refinement very similar to a 100% electric car. An Ariya, for example. CO2 emissions have also dropped to 102 g/km, 12% less than the previous model.

Another improvement, even more noticeable if possible, is that power increases by 14 hp in Sport mode, with a more dynamic response on the road.

All these improvements have been made possible thanks to a complete overhaul of both the electric motor and the combustion engine. Nissan has integrated the five components that make up this efficient hybrid system into a single unit: motor, generator, inverter, reduction gear, and multiplier, achieving a design that is 10% more compact and much more rigid.

The result, as we have noted, is reduced fuel consumption and a noticeable refinement of the cabin, with virtually all vibrations eliminated and noise levels reduced.

The technological leap is significant and noticeable soon after starting to drive. It's somewhat surprising that Nissan didn't take advantage of this opportunity to introduce a new design, but it's also understandable that the current Qashqai is only a year old, sells fantastically, and such a change probably wasn't necessary.

Therefore, the Qashqai we drove retains aesthetic features such as the grille and light signature, the 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Google, and all the driving aids of the current model, which are numerous. However, there are changes aimed at optimizing aerodynamic efficiency, such as the new mirror housings, new wheels for the basic trim, and the air deflectors in front of the front tires.

We emphasize again that the Qashqai e-Power is a non-plug-in hybrid with an ECO label and drives like a zero-emission electric vehicle. Once on the move, as we mentioned, this hybrid SUV operates like an electric vehicle, moving solely with the power supplied to the front wheels by the electric motor. The technology includes a three-cylinder gasoline engine, but it is not connected to the front axle for traction. Power comes solely from the electric motor powered by a battery.

Thus, the 1.5-liter gasoline engine serves solely and exclusively to recharge the battery. It does so via a generator and only when necessary. This means the driver doesn't have to recharge the battery when they arrive home or at work. However, they do need to refuel occasionally in the 55-liter tank.

The advantage of this technology is that the battery is small and light, 1.5 kWh, and located under the front seats. This allows it to maintain a very decent trunk capacity of 479 liters. In addition to the gasoline engine, battery, and generator, the e-Power system includes an electric motor and an inverter, which distributes electricity to the battery, the electric motor, or both simultaneously.

Nissan's new SUV is not only quiet in the city at low speeds, but also on the highway. The gasoline engine is barely audible when running. This allows for comfortable travel, with only a faint rumble audible when accelerating firmly or with Sport mode activated. On curves, and enjoying its good poise, greater dynamism is perceived thanks to the increased power of the electric motor in Sport mode (up to 204 hp). While it may not have a sporty feel, which doesn't fit its philosophy, it is a car with a solid and pleasant handling that will appeal to a large number of drivers.

Also note that the e-Pedal function allows drivers to drive in the city with high braking speeds, allowing them to accelerate and brake using only one pedal: the accelerator. When you stop accelerating, the battery charges. This way, we recover electricity in a short time.

With maintenance extended to 20,000 km thanks to the use of a new oil, the new Qashqai 1.5 e-Power is available in Acenta, N-Connecta, Tekna, N-Design, and Tekna Premium trim levels. It is also available with mild hybrid options of 140 and 158 horsepower, allowing the car to be sold starting at €25,900 (price with discount). The e-Power versions maintain this price and have a surcharge of approximately €5,100. The first deliveries to customers will begin in September.