By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

Nissan's Qashqai e-Power offers a rather different stepping stone from combustion power to EV motoring. It's an interesting confection, always an EV, yet also always petrol-powered. Who needs a hybrid? Let's take a look at the original pre-facelift version of this J12-era Qashqai e-POWER model, which sold between 2022-2024. A decent used buy?

Models

5dr SUV (1.5 e-POWER petrol)

History

Nissan calls the Qashqai e-POWER 'an electric car that you can fill up with petrol'. That sounds like a contradiction in terms doesn't it, but this powertrain really is difficult to classify. It can't be plugged in, but unlike a full-Hybrid, the engine never directly drives the wheels, its role instead being to power a front-mounted motor. The brand describes this powertrain as 'a bridging technology' that'll help transition customers to the full-EVs they'll have to live with in the future. But is it worth paying extra to get this Qashqai fitted out with it? This e-POWER engine was introduced a year after the mild hybrid versions of the J12-era MK3 Qashqai arrived in 2021. That J12 Qashqai range received a thorough update in mid-2024. It's the pre-facelift 2022-2024-era versions of this Qashqai e-POWER design we look at here.

What You Get

There's not much to differentiate this e-POWER Qashqai variant from its lesser stablemates. The eagle-eyed will notice the bespoke badgework. And perhaps the black trimming strip on top of the front grille. Plus even with base trim on a Qashqai e-POWER, you get smart 18-inch diamond Cut alloy wheels; mid-spec models have 19-inch rims and there are 20-inch alloys at the very top of the range. Up front inside, there are no real changes for this e-POWER variant. Just an oddly-shaped squarical gear selector and the 'i-Pedal' and 'EV' buttons next to it. Otherwise, the cabin's just as in any other third generation Qashqai. Which means it's really quite appealing if you've been able to stretch to a plusher trim level. Everything feels quite smart and you'd quickly feel a sense of familiarity here if you regularly used this car day-in, day-out, thanks to the logical layout and a seating position that's half way between SUV and family hatch. Avoid base trim and both the 'Combimeter' instrument screen (which has two display options) and the central 'NissanConnect' infotainment monitor will be 12.3-inches in size. Back seat passengers should be reasonably happy, thanks to the increases in legroom that came with this third generation 'J12'-series design. Headroom will be slightly restricted on model's fitted with the vast panoramic glass roof, but six-footers should still just about fit. As for the boot, well impressively, the e-POWER system's battery pack hasn't compromised boot space, so you get the same 504-litre capacity as in any other Qashqai.

What You Pay

Please contact us for an exact up-to-date valuation.

What to Look For

We've not come across any specific e-POWER drivetrain issues. As with a mild hybrid J12-era MK3 Qashqai, there are various things a used buyer has to look out for. We've heard of a system and engine warning message at start up which in some cases led to a power reduction - solved only be restarting the car. And navigation updating issues can occur with the centre screen. The auto gearbox can be jerky when pulling off. The mileage clock can reset on its own. The audio system can exhibit very poor DAB reception. And the media set-up can be unresponsive. Check all of these things on your test drive. Otherwise, just check for the usual side panel and alloy wheels scrapes - and signs of child damage or luggage scrapes inside.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2022 Qashqai e-POWER - Ex Vat autodoc.co.uk) An oil filter is in the £4-£13 bracket. An air filter is in the £14-£61 bracket. Front brake discs cost in the £94-£114 bracket. Rear brake discs cost in the £22-£73 bracket. A wiper blade's in the £4-£10 bracket. A pollen filter's in the £7-£28 bracket.

On the Road

It's a fascinating electrified combustion drivetrain this. For a start, at 1.9kWh in size, the battery is about twice the size it would be in a conventional full-Hybrid. And it's topped up by a little three cylinder Variable Compression 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that never directly powers the wheels. Forward motion is instead taken care of by single front axle-mounted motor which puts out 187hp and 310Nm of torque. Which is enough to propel the Qashqai e-Power to 62mph from rest in 7.9s. That's the quickest stat recorded by any engine in the Qashqai line-up; and, as if to underline the intended EV remit, the maximum speed figure - 105mph - is the slowest. Inevitably, it only works with auto transmission, but does so more smoothly than with the CVT autos used in some full-Hybrids thanks to a feature called 'linear tune' which ties engine speed to road speed. Nissan has also engineered in its 'i-Pedal' tech, which increases energy regeneration when you come off the throttle. This doesn't slow the car is much as it would with the company's LEAF and Ariya full-EVs, but it will mean that in normal motoring, you'll be using the brake pedal a lot less. An 'EV' button sits alongside the 'i-Pedal' switch, supposedly for full-EV driving, but it only deigns to activate if you're driving like Miss Marple at speeds which would barely allow you to overtake a bicycle. Best to leave the e-POWER system to its own devices, which see it delivering a useful frugality advantage over a conventional mild hybrid Qashqai - 52.3mpg on the combined cycle and 119g/km of CO2.

Overall

If you take the view that a Hybrid isn't quite 'EV' enough but you're put off by the range, price and charging issues that currently afflict Electric Vehicles, then you might well be interested in Nissan's e-POWER technology. And should you be seeking a lower mid-sized family SUV, you'll find it works quite effectively fitted beneath the bonnet of this pricier J12-era Qashqai model. Not effectively enough though, to offer any appreciable efficiency advantages over the various conventionally-engineered self-charging full-Hybrid Crossover models already populating this class. That's disappointing - and it probably explains why this Japanese maker's Alliance partner Renault didn't adopt e-POWER technology. They clearly believe, as we do, that it ought to have delivered more efficiency benefits than it actually does. Still, like the conventional full-Hybrid self-charging drivetrains in the class, this Qashqai's very cost-effective to run, a sensible choice if you can justify its up-front price premium over the ordinary variant. It's always an EV; yet always gives you engine range flexibility. There's a price for that, but we can understand why you might see it as one well worth paying.

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Thermaclear heated windscreen

Splash free rain sensing wipers

Auto rear wiper when reversing

One touch front and rear electric windows with remote opening and closing

Super UV and infrared cut glass

Brakes

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Auto hold function

ABS with EBD and brake assist

Active brake limited slip

Vehicle dynamic control

Intelligent front emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist recognition and junction assist

Intelligent rear automatic braking

Intelligent blind spot intervention

Communication

Wireless charging pad

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Electric speed sensitive power steering

Lane departure warning system

Lane keep assist

Front and rear parking sensors

Intelligent Cruise control (ICC)

Rear cross traffic alert

Moving object detection

Pro pilot park assist

Blind spot warning

Intelligent around view monitor

Intelligent lane intervention

Intelligent driver alert system

Lane departure prevention

Traffic sign recognition with legal speed adjustment

Intelligent forward collision warning

Drive modes (sport, normal, eco)

Driver Convenience

Push button starter

Hands free power tailgate

Idle stop/start system

Driver Information

Trip computer

Emergency and breakdown call

Virtual personal assistant and firmware over the air capability

Remote control services - door locks, lights, horn and car locator

Telematics - notifications and connectivity services

Google maps services - search, weather, 3D maps and Google street view

TomTom live traffic services

Nissan connect navigation

Advanced windscreen head up display

Full Digital 12.3" TFT Digital Combimeter

Nissan connect 12.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system

e-Pedal step

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Door mirror memory

Body colour mirror caps

Reverse tilting door mirrors

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors with LED turn indicator

Electric auto folding door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Interior instrumental panel C finisher

Entertainment

Bluetooth audio streaming

10 Bose speakers - 2 tweeters, 6 high and medium frequency door speakers and 2 in subwoofer

Bose acoustimass bass box

Digital amplifier

Front USB connections (Type-A and Type-C)

Rear USB charging only ports (Type-A and Type-C)

AM/FM audio system with DAB

Exterior Body Features

Rear roof spoiler

Bodyside mouldings

Body coloured door handles

Shark fin antenna

Chrome side window finisher

Rear styling plate

Rear side wing doors

Door handle with button

Rear bumper with graphite insert

e-POWER badging

Exterior Lights

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED rear lights

LED front fog lights

Intelligent auto headlights

Automatic hazard signal with emergency stop signal

Three blink turn signal

LED 3rd brake light

Headlights auto levelling system

LED headlights with adaptive driving beam

Rear reversing light (bulb lighting)

Front and rear LED turning signals

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic climate control with pollen filter

Interior Features

Leather steering wheel

Front cupholders x 2

Chrome interior door handles

Heated steering wheel

Rear armrest with 2 cupholders

Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Centre console storage tray

Multifunction steering wheel

Dark headlining

Front and rear door storage

2x Rear coat hooks

Front centre console and armrest

Rear door bottle holders

Steering wheel switches

Luggage board system

6 Luggage hooks - 4 on floor, 2 on side

12v power socket in dashboard and luggage

Front door with bottle holders

Hard trunk cover

Soft PVC kneepad

Quilted premium leather upholstery

4 folding assist grip

Dark black/blueish PVC wrapping

e-POWER shifter

Interior Lights

Glovebox with light

Ambient lighting in front doors

Luggage space lighting

Ambient lighting around centre console

Welcome light and doors with console tray ambient lighting

Packs

Glass roof pack with roof rails - Qashqai

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Child locks on rear doors

Driver, passenger and 2nd row rear seat belt reminder

Curtain and front side, far side airbags

3x3 point rear seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Seats

Heated front seats

Height adjustable driver's seat

Passenger seat back pocket

Height adjustable front headrests

Driver seat back pocket

3 rear headrests

Height adjustable passenger seat

Electric 4-way lumbar support for drivers seat

60/40 split folding rear seat bench

Two rear isofix child seat anchorage points with top tether

Manually adjustable passenger (slide recline + lifter)

Electric adjustable 4 way lumbar support for passenger seat

Electrically adjustable driver seat with massage and memory functions

Single front passenger seat

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Security

Engine immobiliser

Thatcham Category 1 alarm

Capless fuel filler

Advance intelligent key with driver memory storage (seats, mirrors, audio)

Remote central door locking with deadlocking

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

20" Diamond cut alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre puncture repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.97

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 67

CO: 0.187

NOx: 0.004

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 118

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 101

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 105

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 143

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 119

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 119

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 119

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90.1

CC: 1497

Cylinders: 3

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 12

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 8.1:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 6 SPEED

Engine Code: KR15

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 54.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 62.8

WLTP - MPG - High: 61.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 53.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 5.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.3

General

Coin Series: Tekna+

Coin Description: E-Power

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 26E

Service Interval Mileage: 9000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 70

NCAP Safety Assist %: 95

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 190

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.9

Top Speed: 105

Engine Power - BHP: 190

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 140

Engine Power - RPM: 4600

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - RPM: 2400

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DIAMOND CUT

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4425

Width: 1835

Wheelbase: 2665

Width (including mirrors): 2084

Height: 1625

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1670

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2180

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 55

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 510

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 455

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1379

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.1

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Two Tone Metallic paint

Special metallic paint

Special solid paint

Two tone pearlescent paint

Metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Blade silver

Metallic - Pearl black

Metallic - Ink blue

Metallic - Gun metallic

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Storm white

Pearl - Ceramic grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Flame red

Paint - Special

Special solid - Arctic white

Special metallic - Magnetic blue

Special metallic - Fuji sunset red

Special metallic - Burgundy

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone metallic - Black/grey roof

Two tone pearl - Ceramic grey/pearl black roof

Two tone pearl - Fuji sunset red/pearl black roof

Two tone pearl - Magnetic blue/pearl black roof

Two tone pearl - Storm white/pearl black roof

Trim - Leather

Quilted premium leather - Black, seat fronts with Blue interior trim