The third-generation version of Nissan’s Qashqai C-segment SUV – a car which virtually defined the segment when it made its debut a couple of decades ago, and which has been a staple of the best-seller rankings ever since – received a facelift earlier this year. Having previously tried the updated model on the international launch, we’ve now been able to put it through its paces on UK roads.
There’s no doubt the revised Qashqai makes a good initial visual impression, with styling tweaks most notably to the front grille giving it a more striking appearance. This is enhanced by the N-Design equipment grade tested here – a new addition to the range – which includes 20in diamond-cut alloy wheels, and body-coloured trim for lower areas such as the wheel arches.
Performance and drive
The Qashqai is available with two mild hybrid petrol engine options, and also with Nissan’s novel E-Power system, which is tested here. The E-Power arrangement features a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which instead of directly powering the wheels generates electricity for a 190hp electric motor and 1.6kWh battery.
Aside from a bit of a droning low-speed engine note at the start of our journey, on the road this offered a refined drive, with there rarely being much evidence of the petrol engine’s presence at all, and the instant throttle response generally associated with a pure EV is available, with acceleration brisk for a family SUV. The electric drive also facilitates a regenerative braking system which comes close to one-pedal driving, if this is desired and set up accordingly.
The Qashqai offers a reasonably comfortable ride – despite the aforementioned bigger wheels with the spec tested here – and handles reliably, if without offering much in the way of excitement in the bends – not that that will likely be a priority for many buyers in this part of the market.
Interior tech
With the N-Design grade, which has been slotted into the middle of the Qashqai line-up, the model’s interior offers a good mix of soft-touch materials, including widespread use of Alcantara. A large and clear 12.3in infotainment screen is standard throughout the range, and the N-Design also benefits from a 12.3in driver display (up from the entry-level 7in version), and built-in Google systems – the latter a new feature to the range with the facelift. The Qashqai also benefits from practical physical ventilation controls.
Rear legroom is good, and headroom decent, while the boot offers an interesting split floor set-up.
Although the E-Power system offers an EV-style driving experience, the CO2 emissions associated with its petrol engine mean it can’t possibly hope to compete with real EVs – or even plug-in hybrids – from a company car tax point of view. Instead, it is probably best thought of as a rival for conventional hybrids. Compared with an equivalent version of the formerly Business Car Award-winning Kia Sportage with this type of powertrain, the Qashqai does offer lower CO2 emissions and therefore fall two BIK bands lower. However, owing to the Qashqai’s higher P11D value, it still works out pricier overall both to tax and run.
Positive: Refined powertrain, well-trimmed interior, new visual flair
Negative: Not the most cost-effective choice, no EV or PHEV option
Standard equipment on N-Design: 20in alloy wheels, LED lights, N-Design body-colour bumper inserts and fenders, automatic lights and wipers, two-zone air conditioning, 12.3in infotainment touchscreen with built-in Google, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, 12.3in driver display, wireless smartphone charger, panoramic glass roof, rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera system, ProPilot driver assist system, front and rear emergency braking, lane support systems.
Engines: Petrol mild hybrid: 140hp 1.3, 158hp 1.3; E-Power hybrid: 190hp 1.5
Equipment grades: Acenta Premium, N-Connecta, N-Design, Tekna, Tekna+
Transmissions: Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, seven-speed automatic
| Model | Nissan Qashqai N-Design E-Power 2WD |
| P11D | £39,355 |
| Residual value | 45% |
| Depreciation | £21,680 |
| Fuel | £7,279 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,980 |
| Cost per mile | 53.23p |
| Fuel consumption | 54.3mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 118/km (28%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £183/£367 |
| Luggage capacity | 479 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,498cc/190hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
