Nissan Qashqai e-Power Review
Read Caroline's Nissan Qashqai e-Power review for everything you need to know about buying Nissan's new hybrid SUV in Ireland.
The Nissan Qashqai is one of Ireland's favourite family cars since it was first launched back in 2007. Now in its third generation, Nissan has added the new e-Power to the Qashqai range. It joins the petrol mild hybrid and goes on sale priced from €42,500.
It's a form of hybrid that uses a petrol engine to generate electricity to charge a battery that powers an electric motor to turn the wheels. This gives it an unrivalled smooth driving quality, while also lowering carbon emissions and benefiting fuel consumption.
So is the new Nissan Qashqai e-Power the one to have? I took it for a test drive to find out.
What's so special about the Nissan Qashqai e-Power?
The latest Nissan Qashqai launched in Ireland in 2021 and is a big step up from the model it replaced. It has grown in stature with real kerb appeal when compared to rivals in the mid-size SUV segment.
Nissan's striking new 'V-Motion' grille sits at the front, with some simple lines giving it an understated but smart look. There are some subtle styling differences between the Qashqai mild hybrid and the Qashqai e-Power including a stylish gloss black strip across the top of the grille and some additional 'e-Power' badging.
The Qashqai e-Power is more expensive to buy than the mild hybrid, which starts from about €35,100 with a manual gearbox or from €41,300 with a CVT. However, the e-Power starts with a slightly higher specced SV trim (from €42,500) followed by SV Premium (from €45,900), SV Tech (from €48,900) and SVE (from €51,900). 18-inch alloy wheels come as standard, with higher trim levels adding larger wheels.
The Qashqai e-Power also has more power (190hp) than the mild hybrid (138hp manual/156hp CVT) and lower carbon emissions, making it a cleaner engine overall.
Driving the Qashqai e-Power
On the road, the extra power of the e-Power is apparent, as is the supreme smoothness of the transmission. It's a clever system that avoids the clumsiness of some hybrid set-ups with a smooth, consistent delivery of power with a push of the accelerator.
The e-Power uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine as a generator to charge a small capacity battery on board, which powers the electric motor to turn the wheels. The engine works in the background and never directly drives the wheels. That's why there's an immediate, silent, smooth delivery of power from a single gear automatic transmission - almost like driving an electric vehicle - which was a key consideration in the development of this car.
Nissan also says that the e-Power can be run more efficiently than the mild hybrid. Over a week of mixed driving my average consumption was 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres. There's the possibility to drive the car on just the power from the energy stored in the battery without the engine active, in short bursts in low speed town and city driving, lowering the overall consumption. There's also the e-Pedal step mode, which is similar to one pedal driving, controlling the car just with the accelerator, like in the Leaf and Ariya.
Elsewhere, the Qashqai is a steady and agile drive, with good insulation from road and wind noise. It’s comfortable by class standards, with just a touch of firmness over bumps and ruts in the road surface.
Inside the Qashqai
The Qashqai has a simple, minimalist cabin that stands out for its solid build and plenty of soft touch materials. It's all very easy to navigate, including traditional dials and buttons to control the ventilation.
But for the full digital experience you will want to go up to the SV Premium trim level for a full digital instrument panel and large 12.3-inch touchscreen and a wireless smartphone charger. Though all versions do come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Other standard features include a parking camera, dual zone automatic climate control and a full suite of safety equipment.
The top of the range SVE model on test is expensive but it does come fully loaded - it even gets heated, massage seats!
The Qashqai e-Power and Qashqai mild hybrid are identical when it comes to cabin and boot space. The rear bench will seat three with plenty of legroom and headroom, though taller adults might have to slouch a little. The rear doors open at almost 90 degrees, which makes this car even more family-friendly.
The boot is not class-leading but there's still a generous 504 litres with a split floor that boosts practicality.
Did you like it?
Nissan is moving forward in the right direction with new electrified options joining some of their most popular ranges including the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail.
The brand also recently launched the new all-electric Nissan Ariya.
The Nissan Qashqai is a great family crossover offering a blend of style and practicality that keeps it among Ireland's bestsellers.
The e-Power hybrid is a good option for the Qashqai, offering a smooth and refined drive, while being reasonably efficient too.
But whether you go for the mild hybrid or the e-Power, Qashqai is a great choice of family car!
Model tested: Nissan Qashqai e-Power SVE
Price: €51,900
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol electric hybrid
Power: 190 hp
Torque: 330 Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.9 seconds
CO2 emissions: 120 g/km
Motor Tax: €190 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Nissan Juke Hybrid Review
Read Caroline's Nissan Juke Hybrid review for everything you need to know about buying the hybrid Juke in Ireland.
The Nissan Juke is one of the brand’s most successful models to date. The second generation of the trendy Juke crossover launched in Ireland in 2020, powered by a simple petrol engine.
The next chapter in the Juke story is this - the new Nissan Juke Hybrid that brings more power to the range and promises more efficiency. The brand is currently rolling out hybrid technology across the range for the first time, to models like the Juke, Qashqai and X-Trail.
The new Nissan Juke Hybrid goes on sale in Ireland priced from €34,110, which makes it competitive against rivals such as the Renault Captur Hybrid and the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid.
What's so special about the Nissan Juke Hybrid?
The Nissan Juke Hybrid shares the same sporty crossover design as the rest of the Juke range. The Juke still looks modern and fresh with distinctive styling features including hidden rear door handles for a coupé style and a trendy contrast roof. It certainly has street cred.
New hybrid badges feature on the front doors and the boot lid. The front grille of the Juke Hybrid displays the new Nissan brand logo and also features a strip of black gloss where it meets the bonnet - a new feature of all electrified Nissan models including the electric Nissan Ariya.
The Juke Hybrid is offered in three trim levels - SV Premium, N-Design and SVE. Diamond cut, 17″ alloy wheels come as standard, with 19-inch on higher trim levels.
LED headlights also come as standard across the range.
But with more power and a slick automatic transmission, the Juke Hybrid offers a more sophisticated feel behind the wheel.
Driving the Nissan Juke Hybrid
The new Nissan Juke Hybrid uses a 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol engine, 1.2kWh battery and a 36kW electric motor. Power is up to 143hp in the hybrid versus 114hp in the 1.0-litre petrol Juke.
It's also more efficient, on paper at least. Official figures suggest 5.1 litres per 100 km versus 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the Juke petrol.
The Juke Hybrid starts in electric mode, moving off silently. It's not a plug-in hybrid, so doesn't require charging to get the best efficiency from the vehicle. Over a week of driving the Juke on mixed roads, my average fuel consumption was 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres. That's okay but a Toyota Yaris Cross is more efficient.
Yet that's only half the story as where the Juke excels is in its refinement and power delivery. On the road the extra power of the hybrid is apparent compared to the Juke petrol, offering pleasant acceleration and lively performance. The Juke’s automatic gearbox makes little noise though it does seem to hold on to gears marginally longer than what you might expect. There are no paddles or manual mode to override this but in Sport mode, they are quicker. So like in most compact hybrids, a gentle use of the throttle is appropriate for the best experience behind the wheel.
Elsewhere, the Nissan Juke Hybrid is a sporty and composed drive, offering lots of grip in cornering, and stability and refinement at high speeds on the motorway. It’s compact and agile around town, though the ride is firm over bumps.
Inside the Juke Hybrid
Inside the cabin, the Nissan Juke Hybrid has a sporty vibe just like the Juke petrol. There are charismatic circular air vents and plenty of soft touch materials. Hybrid models have an updated driver display including a power gauge and one for the battery’s state of charge. A visual representation of the flow of power can be displayed on the 7″ combimeter screen between the two dials.
Infotainment is provided via a touchscreen on top of the dash with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a new button to activate 'e-Pedal' one pedal driving on the centre console, as well as driving modes and an EV mode. It’s mostly a cool cabin for the Juke, though the infotainment system is not as modern as in some of the brand's newer models like the Qashqai and Ariya.
Still with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto it's possible to bypass the native system and use a more modern interface. All versions of the Juke Hybrid come very well equipped with cloth and synthetic leather seats, keyless entry and start, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and parking camera.
The SVE on test (from €37,100) comes fully loaded with synthetic leather seats with quilting and headrest hole finisher, ambient lighting, 360-degree camera, and more safety equipment like blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent cruise control, lane keeping assist and traffic jam pilot.
The Nissan Juke Hybrid is smaller inside than a Nissan Qashqai for example but it does offer similar space inside to many other compact crossovers on the market. It’s possible for two adults to get comfortable in the rear. Headroom could be tight for taller adults but children will be fine.
While the standard Juke petrol has an excellent boot volume of 422 litres, the hybrid loses some of that volume to accommodate the battery. It’s down to 354 litres but that’s still comparable to many compact hatchbacks.
Did you like it?
The Nissan brand is gaining momentum again with the arrival of new electric and hybrid models like the electric Ariya and the Qashqai hybrid.
Now hybrid joins the Juke range, giving more options to buyers on the lookout for a stylish compact crossover with hybrid power.
You will pay more for the Juke hybrid, but it does have a more mature feel behind the wheel and the extra power and ease of the automatic transmission. The hybrid transmission does feel well-sussed compared to rivals on power and refinement, though the efficiency gains are not as dramatic in real world driving.
The Juke is a great car, no matter whether you go for the petrol or hybrid. It's fun to drive and has a cool cabin and quirky coupé-inspired styling. That makes it a smart buy in the compact crossover segment.
Model tested: Nissan Juke Hybrid SVE
Price: From €37,100
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol electric hybrid
Power: 143hp
Top speed: 166 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 10.1 seconds
Motor Tax: €190 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Nissan X-Trail Review
Read Caroline's Nissan X-Trail review for everything you need to know about buying Nissan's large family SUV in Ireland.
The Nissan X-Trail is one of Ireland's favourite family SUVs and has been for many years. Since the introduction of the X-Trail in 2001, more than seven million have been sold around the world.
The latest model introduces hybrid power to the X-Trail range for the very first time.
The new Nissan X-Trail, badged 'e-Power', goes on sale priced from €45,995 for five seat versions and from €54,995 for seven seat versions - which also add four wheel drive.
What's so special about the Nissan X-Trail?
It's a fresh start for the Nissan X-Trail in the Irish market. No more diesel. Nissan's innovative new X-Trail e-Power hybrid uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine to act as a generator to charge the onboard battery. This powers the electric motor to turn the wheels.
It's the same hybrid system that can be found in the current Nissan Qashqai range.
But the X-Trail is bigger, mightier than the Qashqai. The new model sports an evolution of styling. But there's the brand's now familiar 'V-motion' grille at the front framed by slim LED headlights and daytime running lights.
The X-Trail has lots of kerb appeal when compared to rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008, Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.
There are a range of trim levels - SV, SV Premium and SVE - with 18-inch alloys coming as standard. Top of the range SVE models get a 19-inch set with a chrome finisher in the front and rear bumper underlining the X-Trail's rugged appeal.
Inside the X-Trail gets a new interior that is a big step up from the previous version of the car in design and quality.
Inside the X-Trail
The X-Trail feels immediately more sophisticated and plush from behind the wheel than the previous version of the car. Now made in Japan - just like the Ariya electric crossover - the build of the car is rock solid.
The layout is simple and minimalist, with a digital upgrade for the cabin too. But that's best experienced in the SV Premium (from €48,995) trim level and above, which add the brand's new digital driver display and 12-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
There’s lots of standard safety equipment as well as dual zone climate control and a reversing camera. More luxurious features are added as you go up the trim levels like an electric sunroof on SV Premium and wireless smartphone charging, Bose sound system and synthetic leather seats for top of the range SVE.
The cabin feels generously sized with lots of headroom and legroom in the second row of seats. The X-Trail's ace card is the rear doors that open at almost 90-degrees, making this car ideal for family life. The rear seats can also move forward and back, and recline a little.
Five seat X-Trails are best for boot space with a generous 560 litres. Opt for the seven seat X-Trail and the two extra seats in the back add more flexibility while being fine to accommodate children. Boot space in five seat mode is 465 litres. When all seven seats are in place there's space for a few more bags though overall a Skoda Kodiaq is more spacious.
60/40 split folding rear seats come as standard. SVE models upgrade that to a 40/20/40 split and the bonus of a powered tailgate.
Driving the X-Trail e-Power
The Nissan X-Trail is built on a new lightweight platform that allows the X-Trail to be electrified for the very first time. Nissan's e-Power hybrid is quite unique in the way the engine is never directly involved in powering the wheels. That's reserved for the electric motor so it means that the X-Trail offers an almost EV-like driving experience. Engine noise is well-suppressed most of the time and the X-Trail is smooth and responsive on the road.
Front wheel drive versions have one electric motor and 201hp, while four wheel drive versions are badged 'e-4orce' and use an electric motor on both axles to create 211hp.
There is a touch of wind and road noise at high speeds. It's mostly a comfortable drive but it does feel firm over manhole covers and other imperfections in the road surface.
When it comes to efficiency, seven seat X-Trail's post consumption figures of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres. In real world driving that might be possible with a lot of low speed town driving. But in mixed driving the X-Trail's consumption did increase.
The X-Trail feels agile on the road and less bulky than some seven seat plug-in hybrid SUVs like the Sorento and Santa Fe. One pedal driving is possible through the e-Pedal step and there is also an EV mode that’s best suited to short bursts of low-speed city driving.
Did you like it?
The new Nissan X-Trail moves on significantly in design, quality and refinement for this new fourth generation model. It's not cheap - particularly seven seat models - but the cabin is one of the best in class with a great build and slick finish.
The X-Trail also functions well as a big, practical family SUV with the option of seven seats.
Nissan's new e-Power technology introduces hybrid to the X-Trail for the very first time. This new X-Trail feels far smoother and more refined to drive than previous diesel versions. Fuel consumption is less impressive for such an innovative hybrid though there is potential to run the X-Trail more efficiently in town.
Overall the Nissan X-Trail starts a new chapter as a hybrid and is one of the most polished and desirable large SUVs on the market.
Model tested: Nissan X-Trail e-Power SVE 7 Seater 4WD
Price: From €61,995
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol electric hybrid
Power: 211hp
Top speed: 180 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.2 seconds
Motor Tax: €270 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Nissan Ariya Review
Read Caroline's Nissan Ariya review for everything you need to know about buying Nissan's new electric SUV in Ireland.
It's over 10 years since Nissan launched the Leaf in Ireland, the brand's first mass market electric car. At the time, electric cars were still on the fringes. Today they account for just under 15% of the Irish new car market, and the tide has definitely turned in their favour.
In recent years Nissan has become synonymous with family crossovers and SUVS like the popular Nissan Qashqai and the X-Trail. Now they look to drive on the electric revolution with the arrival of the new Nissan Ariya, a new large electric SUV.
The new Nissan Ariya will be available in Ireland with the choice of a 63kWh battery (from €48,995) or 87kWh battery (from €66,995). The electric driving range varies from up to about 402 kilometres (WLTP) for the Ariya 63kWh and up to about 529 kilometres (WLTP) for the Ariya 87kWh, though in real world driving those figures will be somewhat ambitious.
All-wheel drive is also available, though standard versions are front wheel drive.
What's so special about the Nissan Ariya?
Just look at it! The Ariya is one of the best-looking electric SUVs you can buy, offering a futuristic spin on Nissan's latest design language.
Nissan bill the Ariya as a 'coupé-crossover' and there's certainly elegance to how the roofline slopes off dramatically to the rear of the car. It's an impressive vehicle from every angle.
In Ireland, the Ariya goes on sale in two trim levels, Advance and Evolve. 19-inch alloy wheels come as standard, while Evolve models get a larger 20-inch set.
There's a range of colours available including two special paints developed just for Ariya - Akatsuki Copper and Aurora Green. There are some bi-tone options too with a contrasting black roof.
But it's inside where the Ariya really shines. It has one of the most upmarket cabins we've seen to date from Nissan and easily surpasses the competition for style and quality.
The Ariya is longer, taller and wider than a Qashqai, so it feels bigger inside with generous space in the second row.
Inside the new Ariya
Built in Japan, the Ariya has one of Nissan's best interiors to date. It feels more sophisticated than a Qashqai for example, with a stylish design and a stunning use of high-quality materials.
There's a large touchscreen as standard with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charger, intelligent personal assistance technology and a full digital instrument cluster - all which add to the high-tech ambience.
Ariya inside feels premium and well-appointed, which does elevate it above the likes of the Tesla Model Y and the Volkswagen ID.4. Neat features include a sliding centre console and a tray table that slips elegantly out of the dash at the push of a button.
Evolve models add more luxury features like part synthetic suede seats, digital rear view mirror, head-up display and ProPILOT Park. There’s also ventilated (heat and cooled) front seats, heated rear seats, power memory mirrors, power memory driver and passenger 8-way seats, Bose 10-speaker sound system and a panoramic sunroof.
Is it practical?
Built on a new EV platform, the interior of the Ariya has a lounge-like feel. Up front, you sit high with the classic driving position of an SUV. It feels very spacious and roomy, and rear legroom is excellent making it a great family car. The sloping roofline doesn't impact rear headroom too much either.
Seating three across the rear bench is entirely possible thanks to the dedicated EV platform that sees a flat floor throughout, and no annoying transmission tunnel.
Boot space in front wheel drive Ariyas is 466 litres, which is a bit off the pace of a Volkswagen ID.4 but still usable. All wheel drive versions offer a more compact 408 litres of boot space. But unlike the Model Y, the Nissan Ariya does not have a frunk under the front bonnet.
A handy powered tailgate comes as standard on the Ariya Evolve.
Driving the Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya is built on a new platform and was tuned for Europe. It offers a sublimely comfortable and refined drive from behind the wheel. It is easily more comfortable over the tarmac than a Tesla Model Y. While refinement is similar to the ID.4, the Ariya offers a better cabin experience overall making it a nicer place to spend time on longer journeys. It's also agile for its size and easy to manoeuvre.
If there is one area where the Ariya could be better, that's efficiency. Despite its sleek aerodynamic body and bespoke electric vehicle architecture, the consumption remained stubbornly above 20kWh per 100 kilometres during my time with the car. So the range quoted in the brochure may be a tad optimistic, yet there's still plenty of driving to be had between charges.
And when it does come to charging, DC fast charging is available up to 130kW. There is a 7.4kW onboard AC charger, with the option of upgrading to a 22kW unit for faster AC charging.
There's lots of safety equipment on board like a 360° Around View Monitor, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Intelligent Cruise Control and Lane Intervention. There’s also Intelligent Emergency Braking (Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection, Junction Assist), Rear Emergency Braking and cross traffic alert technology.
Other standard features include ProPilot with Navi-Link, and the e-Pedal, which allows one pedal driving using only the accelerator.
Did you like it?
The Nissan Ariya is a remarkable comeback for Nissan, a brand which pioneered electric vehicles with the Leaf but failed to keep up when the market was hit with a slew of new electric vehicles from European and Korean car brands.
Until now. The Ariya hits the market just perfectly, with a large SUV that is an excellent alternative to the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Tesla Model Y. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but it has one of the most comfortable and upmarket cabins in this company.
Crucially it's desirable in a way the Leaf never quite reached. That's kerb appeal for you. It could be more efficient but there's still plenty of driving to be enjoyed between charges, along with silky refinement that makes it one of the best Nissans yet.
Model tested: Nissan Ariya 87kWh Evolve
Price: €66,995
Battery: 87kWh
Range: 529 km (WLTP)
Power: 242hp
Torque: 300Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.6 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
Nissan Ariya Coming Soon To Ireland
Nissan Ireland has confirmed that the new Nissan Ariya will go on sale priced from €48,995 when it arrives here in June.
What we know about new Ariya
The new Nissan Ariya will be available in Ireland with two battery options. There's a 63 kWh battery that delivers a range of 402 kilometres and an 87 kWh battery that offers a range of 529 kilometres. Models are two wheel drive as standard with e-4ORCE, Nissan’s most advanced all-wheel drive technology available also.
A Combined Charging System (CCS) will be available on Ariyas sold in Europe to facilitate fast charging. The Nissan Ariya has a 7.4 kW on board charger for AC charging. A 22 kW will be available from December as an option. The Ariya can also support fast charging up to 130 kW.
Nissan is launching the new Ariya in two trim levels: Advance and Evolve.
Pricing will start for the entry grade 63 kWh Nissan Ariya Advance from €48,995. At the moment we know that the top of the range 87 kWh Ariya Evolve will be priced at €66,995.
The interior of the new Ariya features a minimalist dashboard. For example primary control functions vibrate when touched and only appear when the car is switched on. The reimagined interior allows for an entirely flat floor with a wide, open lounge-like experience and spacious cabin.
Apple CarPlay (wireless) and Android Auto come as standard. There's also a wireless phone charger and intelligent personal assistance technology.
Nissan’s Safety Shield System includes Intelligent 360° Around View Monitor, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Intelligent Cruise Control and Lane Intervention. There's also Intelligent Emergency Braking (Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection, Junction Assist), Rear Emergency Braking and cross traffic alert technology.
Anything else?
Other standard features include ProPilot with Navi-Link, and the e-Pedal. ProPilot helps drivers stay centred in their lane, navigate stop-and-go motorway traffic and maintain a set vehicle speed and distance to the vehicle ahead. e-Pedal, which is also available in the Nissan LEAF, allows drivers to launch, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator.
The top of the range 87 kWh Ariya Evolve comes with part PVC/Synthentic suede seats, Intelligent Rear View Mirror, a Heads Up Display (HUD) and ProPILOT Park. There's also ventilated (heat and cooled) front seats, heated rear seats, power memory mirrors, power memory driver and passenger 8-way seats, a DAB and Bose 10-speaker sound system and an openable panoramic sunroof.
Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Nissan Ireland, said:
“Nissan invented the crossover segment with the Nissan Qashqai in 2007 and started the journey to electrification when it launched the mass market Nissan LEAF in 2010. The all new Ariya builds on our success, key strengths and pioneering expertise and we expect that it will quickly establish itself as one of the best-selling EVs on Irish roads.”
“There is massive interest in this car and we have launched an extensive national roadshow to showcase it to customers at local Nissan dealerships. This car will be at the heart of the accelerated shift towards electric driving that we are now witnessing in Ireland. Its arrival is also a key element of Nissan’s strategy to electrify its range and to increase its electrification sales mix across Europe by more than 75% by 2026,” he added.
The new Ariya electric crossover from Nissan is available for pre-orders now.
Nissan Qashqai Review (2022)
Read Caroline's Nissan Qashqai review for everything you need to know about buying the popular family SUV from Nissan in Ireland in 2022.
The new generation Nissan Qashqai arrived in Ireland last year.
It's an important model for the Japanese brand in Ireland. The Qashqai started the trend for crossovers and quickly rose to fame here, for a time Ireland's bestselling car and a former Irish Car of the Year.
What's new for the Nissan Qashqai?
Now in its third generation, the Nissan Qashqai has grown up. More visually imposing than the previous generation of the car, it has the kerb appeal of a top SUV. Following on from the 2020 launch of the all-new Nissan Juke, the new Qashqai translates Nissan's new design language and technology to the family SUV segment with great success.
Pricing kicks off from €32,000 for the range in Ireland, with all models powered from launch by a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine with mild hybrid technology.
The Qashqai fits the brief for a family car better than ever with a new platform yielding a more spacious cabin as well as a number of practical features.
Driving dynamics have also been significantly improved. Qashqai matures for a new era of electrification in the motor industry and will debut more hybrid options in 2022.
Inside the latest Nissan Qashqai
Inside the Qashqai benefits from a new interior that feels a lot more modern than the previous generation of the car. The quality of the materials has also moved up another gear, with a solid fit and finish that will weather family life for many years to come.
Qashqai gets a suitable digital upgrade too with a digital instrument panel for the driver and a slick looking infotainment screen that's smartphone ready. The interior could perhaps do with a more distinctive character with more Nissan brand defining features, but the premium feeling cannot be denied.
Standard equipment levels are very good with the list including LED headlights, auto headlights with high beam assist, rear parking sensors, 8" infotainment screen and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Safety features include blind spot intervention, traffic sign recognition, Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking.
The SV Premium model on test (from €37,700) includes a wireless phone charger, 9” touchscreen, 18" alloys, panoramic glass roof, rear view camera and rear privacy glass.
Is it practical?
The Qashqai has grown in stature, which benefits passenger space too. The new car is a bit wider and has a longer wheelbase than the car it replaces, so you will find good sized footwells in the rear as a result. It feels more spacious inside than the previous Qashqai.
There's also 50 more litres of boot space and the boot has a number of clever features to boost practicality - a false floor that can be used to separate items or give a flat loading sill. A powered hands-free tailgate is also available.
The most impressive feature is refinements to the ergonomic design of the door openings. The rear doors now open to 90 degrees, making it easier to step in and out of the vehicle or manoeuvre child seats into position. Small things but it helps Qashqai function better as a family car than ever before.
Driving the Nissan Qashqai
The latest Nissan Qashqai sits on a new platform. My test car was powered by the 1.3-litre mild hybrid petrol engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The overall impression is of agility and comfort on the road. Despite the overall increase in stiffness, the new Qashqai is over 60 kg lighter than the car it replaces.
Front wheel drive Qashqais uses a torsion beam rear suspension layout, upgraded from the outgoing Qashqai to reduce vibration and ensure better bump absorption and a smoother ride, as well as providing better roll control.
The steering is faster, more defined and responsive thanks to the power assistance motor now moved to directly adjacent to the steering rack. This has reduced the feeling of friction through the steering wheel. But gives a more natural increase in steering effort as more steering lock is applied.
For a large SUV it's surprisingly agile and easy to drive with the manual gearbox. Though a CVT automatic is also available (from €36,700). It's very comfortable, even on large wheels. The engine is refined and there is plenty of power from the 156 hp unit. It is very pleasant to drive. Nissan says the manual gearbox has been enhanced for a quicker, more direct and sportier shift feeling. And I can say it certainly felt good from behind the wheel.
This is the only engine option for now. Some buyers might lament the demise of the diesel Qashqai. Certainly my average fuel consumption over a week of driving of 6.8 litres per 100 km cannot rival diesel for efficiency over long distances at least. But the arrival of a new Qashqai 'e-POWER' hybrid in 2022 will be one to watch. It uses the petrol engine to generate electricity, while the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor.
Did you like it?
The Qashqai has been an amazing success in Ireland since it launched here. There are over 50,000 already on the road here. And a further 20,000-30,000 estimated to have been imported to Ireland in the car’s 14 year history.
Nissan has sold over 3 million units of the car in Europe since its launch 13 years ago. It's an incredibly important car for Nissan.
The new generation model has seriously grown up with the presence of a larger SUV on the road. At launch the engine range does look very narrow. But the 1.3-litre petrol is fun to drive and refined, though the upcoming hybrid should be cheaper to run.
Space matters and the Qashqai has grown in all the right directions. This car is a stylish buy with a well-finished cabin to see it into the next few years. Nissan has upped the quality of this car considerably.
Competition is stiff in this segment. But the Qashqai has serious reputation and recognition in the Irish market - it remains a solid and reliable buy in 2022.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Nissan Qashqai SV Premium
Price: €37,700
Engine: 1.3-litre turbo petrol
Power: 156 hp
Torque: 260 Nm
Top speed: 206 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 9.5 seconds
CO2 emissions: 145 g/km
Motor Tax: €270 per year
2021 Nissan Qashqai Pricing For Ireland!
Nissan Ireland has announced pricing for the new generation Nissan Qashqai, which is on sale now.
The range will kick off from €30,500 for the Nissan Qashqai mild hybrid with a 1.3-litre petrol engine.
It's available with two power outputs – 138 hp and 156 hp – with either a 6 speed manual transmission, or new Xtronic gearbox (156 hp).
Nissan is launching the car with four trim levels, with many safety and infotainment features standard across the range.
The entry grade XE model is available from €30,500. The SV grade is priced from €33,200, the SV Premium Grade from €37,395 and the top of the range SVE Xtronic grade from €44,600.
Full LED headlights and auto headlights with high beam assist are standard across the range. Standard safety features also include rear parking sensors, blind spot intervention, traffic sign recognition, Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (Pedestrian & Cyclist Recognition, Junction Assist) and Rear Automatic Cross Traffic Alert and Braking.
Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto comes as standard from the SV grade upwards, while the popular Wireless Phone Charger is introduced at the SV Premium grade. The 8” Infotainment display in the SV grade increases to 9” in the SV Premium and SVE Xtronic grades, including higher resolution and Nissan Connected Services.
The top of the range SVE Xtronic includes 19” alloy wheels, Nappa Quilted Leather seats, a handsfree powered tailgate which makes accessing the boot effortless when hands are anything but free, heated front seats with massage function, ProPilot with Navi Link, a Heads Up Display (HUD), Automatic Tilt Reversing Mirrors and a Bose sound system with 10 speakers.
A full hybrid will join the range in early 2022, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
Read more about what's new for the Nissan Qashqai in 2021 in our article.
Nissan Qashqai (2021) On Sale In June
Nissan Ireland has confirmed that the new Nissan Qashqai is expected to arrive in Irish dealer showrooms this June. The car that created the crossover segment back in 2007 will return in summer 2021 with an all-new third generation Nissan Qashqai, featuring electrification for the first time and a host of other technology features.
The Qashqai has been an amazing success in Ireland since it launched here, with over 50,000 already on the road and a further 20,000-30,000 estimated to have been imported here in the car's 14 year history. Nissan has sold over 3 million units of the car in Europe since its launch 13 years ago.
The all-new Qashqai is a key part of the company’s strategy to achieve 50% electrified sales in Europe by 2024.
What's new for the Nissan Qashqai in 2021?
The new Nissan Qashqai has all-new styling that takes some cues from last year's striking new Nissan Juke compact crossover. The third generation Qashqai is unmistakably more muscular, sharp and modern. On the exterior, the Qashqai’s enhanced body stance is more purposeful, with prominent shoulder lines, an extended wheelbase and 20-inch alloy wheels introduced to Qashqai for the first time. From a preview event held in Kildare, we can confirm that the new Qashqai now has an even stronger and more stylish presence than ever before.
A longer wheelbase has created more room for passengers inside the vehicle and overall luggage capacity has increased by over 50 litres from the previous generation. A powered hands-free tailgate will also be available. Refinements to the ergonomic design of the doorways means that it is also easier to step in and out of the car, and the rear doors now open to 90 degrees, allowing easier access.
The new Qashqai also offers an advanced infotainment system with a broad portfolio of connected devices including effortless integration of smartphones, in-car Wi-Fi for up to seven devices and NissanConnect Services, a dedicated app with which to interact with and monitor the vehicle.
There's also an innovative new 10.8-inch Head-Up Display (HUD). Key navigation, driver assistance and road information are projected onto the windscreen within the driver’s line of vision. Home-to-Car features are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices.
New engine technology for Qashqai
The 2021 Nissan Qashqai will go on sale in Ireland this summer with a 1.3-litre mild hybrid petrol engine, available with manual or automatic gearboxes. An innovative 'e-POWER' hybrid is expected here from early 2022 and uses technology from the company’s 100% electric Nissan LEAF.
The 12V mild hybrid system available on new Qashqai is a more affordable hybrid technology that provides torque assist, extended idle stop, quick restart and coasting stop [Xtronic only], with improvements to both fuel economy and CO2 output (-4g/km). It’s combined with the 1.3 DiG-T petrol engine that was introduced to the Qashqai range in 2018.
The 1.3- litre petrol motor will be offered with two power outputs – 138 hp and 156 hp – with either a 6-speed manual transmission, or new Xtronic gearbox (156 hp only).
On manual versions, Nissan says the gearbox has been enhanced for a quicker, more direct and sportier shift feeling. The new generation Xtronic transmission offers better fuel economy and acceleration feel thanks to improvements including a twin oil pump system with new electrical oil pump.
2WD is available on both 138 hp and 156 hp versions, whilst 4WD will only be available on 156 hp Xtronic models. A new 4WD control system and driving selection mode is more intuitive and intelligent, adapting itself to external conditions with five driving modes – Standard, ECO, Sport, Snow and Off-Road. In case of any wheel slip, the time which the 4WD system acts has been reduced by a factor of five to around 0.2 seconds.
Anything else?
The 2021 Nissan Qashqai e-POWER uses the petrol engine to generate electricity, while the wheels are completely driven by the electric motor. The e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a category-leading variable compression ratio 154 hp petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 140 kW electric motor of similar size and power output to that found in Nissan’s electric vehicles.
The e-POWER installation is said to have been significantly upgraded for the new Qashqai in order to meet the demands of European consumers and their daily drive. The 1.5 litre petrol engine has a final power output of 140 kW (187 hp).
Similar to the LEAF, the new Qashqai e-POWER benefits from the entirely new ‘one-pedal’ driving experience called e-Pedal. Drivers can start, accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal.
“The new Nissan Qashqai combines the best of Nissan’s pioneering crossover and EV expertise. It allows new and existing Qashqai drivers to experience hybrid and electric driving without range or charging concerns in an unmistakably stylish crossover that continues to deliver everything they would expect from a family car,” said Seamus Morgan, Managing Director of Nissan Ireland.
The 2021 Nissan Qashqai is available to order now and customers are being offered a special launch version - Premiere Edition - which will offer an extended palette of two-tone colour options and advanced technology convenience features.
New Qashqai will be built in the Japanese brand's Sunderland, UK manufacturing facility.
Nissan Juke Enigma Goes On Sale
Nissan Ireland has confirmed the new Nissan Juke Engima for Ireland. This special edition of the popular compact crossover boasts an exclusive new look and a high specification of equipment.
The Juke Enigma will carry a high billing in the Juke range and goes on sale priced from €27,300.
Cosmetic updates include deep black, 19-inch Akari (Japanese for "light") alloy wheels to enhance the Juke's signature sporty stance, while bespoke, intricate graphic patterns adorn the coupé-style roof line and door mirrors. The Enigma signature graphic on the C-pillar can be complemented by two, two-tone paint combinations, including Gun Grey or Pearl White with a black roof.
The new Nissan Juke Enigma also introduces Amazon Alexa voice experience compatibility to the Juke range for the first time, which will be rolled out on all new models sold with the NIssanConnect infotainment system. This technology allows customers to control some of their vehicle functions remotely from their smartphone or an Alexa-enabled device. By asking Alexa, they can remotely find out if their Juke's lock/unlock status, how much fuel they have left, or send a location to the on-board navigation system.
Other features include rear view camera, automatic climate control, cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and intervention, automatic headlights with high beam assist, and interior ambient lighting.
The latest Juke is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine, with the Enigma spec available with manual or automatic gearbox.
Peter Dynan, Head of Product, Nissan Ireland, said:
“The Nissan Juke Enigma is a fantastic addition to the Juke range. It offers even more head-turning design and advanced technology in a truly compelling and value for money package. Enigma draws on unique styling and intelligent connectivity to enhance the driving experience.
The new generation of the Nissan Juke went on sale in Ireland in 2020. The Juke range is available from €22,845 in Ireland.
You can read Caroline's review of the new Nissan Juke here.
Nissan LEAF Drops Price In Ireland
The cost of buying an electric Nissan LEAF has fallen by up to €1,843 in Ireland as a result of the recent Budget. Revised pricing from Nissan Ireland means that Irish customers can now get behind the wheel of the LEAF 40 kWh from €27,595.
“The Budget VRT changes and recent VAT changes have had a very positive impact on the cost of buying a new Nissan LEAF and this in turn has led to a significant upsurge in interest from EV buyers online and across our dealer network,” said James McCarthy, CEO of Nissan Ireland.
“This upsurge is also being driven by our ‘Power of Zero’ initiative with AIB and Electric Ireland which offers 0% finance, the free provision and installation of a home charger and one year’s free servicing to anyone buying a new Nissan LEAF,” he added.
The recent changes to the VRT and VAT rates have led to tax savings across the Nissan LEAF range. These tax savings start at €506 for the Nissan LEAF SV 40 kWh which now costs €29,384, while the top of the range Nissan LEAF SVE 62 kWh has fallen by €1,843 to €38,657.
In addition, the introduction of the new entry grade Nissan LEAF XE 40 kWh means that motorists can now make the switch into an electric vehicle for €27,595.
The new tax savings which have cut the cost of buying a new Nissan LEAF have also led to a sizeable reduction between the cost of buying the 40 kWh LEAF, which has a range of up to 270 kilometres, and the 62 kWh LEAF, which has a range of up to 385 kilometres (WLTP).