2023 (73) Nissan Qashqai 1.5 E-Power Kuro Edition [Tech Assist] 5dr Auto

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? Here, we look at the 2024-2025 versions of this model.

History

The Qashqai e-POWER was launched in 2022 as '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 and it's that updated model we look at here. In Autumn 2025, the e-POWER engineering was thoroughly updated. But it's the 2024-2025 versions of the Qashqai e-POWER that 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, but that's about it visually. Facelifts are generally nip and tuck affairs: not the one that was introduced to this Qashqai in 2024. Nissan decided that this third generation Qashqai needed a completely new look to help it stand out in its crowded market. The update changes nearly all lay with the more aggressive front end and the larger grille, which gained finishing apparently inspired by the ancient armour scales of Japanese Samurai helmets. The front bumper was also different, the LED headlamps were restyled there was a sharper daytime running light signature. It's a lot harder to change interior architecture than it is to alter a few exterior panels and, sure enough, the updates were a lot more subtle inside. If you owned the original version of this J12-era Qashqai e-POWER and you decide to opt for a more expensive trim level with this updated model, you'll notice the smarter dash and centre console finishes, plus the plush faux leather upholstery, which can be partly quilted and features a dash and centre console with white-stitched Alcantara inserts. You might also pick up the fact that there's now a more advanced 64-colour ambient lighting set-up - and a better quality camera for the 'Around View Monitor' parking system with eight separate views. These include a useful 'T-Junction' view (helping you check for oncoming traffic at blind junctions); and an 'invisible hood' view, which generates an on-screen image of what the wheels are doing under the bonnet - Nissan says it's good for avoiding kerbs and positioning the vehicle in car washes. Bigger changes though, lie with the centre screen - and not just because it's 12.3-inches in size. The computer that runs it has become several times more powerful as part of the 2024 update, enabling a switch (above base trim) to Google's advanced Android Operating System. As before, most Qashqais of this era feature a 'digital combimeter' instrument screen (which replaced analogue gauges above base trim) - a display which as part of this update gained subtly altered graphics. What else? Well there are proper physical climate controls; better-spec models get a Head-up display; and build quality from the Sunderland plant feels pretty good, though there are some scratchy plastics lower down the dash and some of the trimming touches (such as the synthetic leather on the seats) don't feel particularly premium. The rear seat can take two adults comfortably, but three would be a squash. The hatch reveals a wide and deep boot that's the same size as a conventionally-engined Qashqai, and the lip's sensibly low. Nissan redesigned the suspension of this MK3 Qashqai, giving a useful loadspace capacity of up to 504-litres with all seats in place, enough to take up to seven carry-on cases. It's worth pointing out though, that this figure falls as you ascend the range - the 'N-Connecta' and 'Tekna' versions many customers choose have only 479-litres and this top 'Tekna+' trim, hobbled by the need to accommodate an upgraded BOSE audio system, sees that figure fall to just 455-litres.

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 2024 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 drivetrain this - and Nissan didn't mess with it as part of the mid-term 2024 update made to this third generation Qashqai design. For a start, at 2.1kWh 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 190PS and 310Nm of torque. Which is enough to propel the Qashqai e-Power to 62mph from rest in 7.9s. But braked trailer weight falls from the 1,800kg figure you'd get from the DIGT158 mild hybrid model to just 750kgs. Inevitably, the e-POWER system 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 as 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.

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'll be interested in Nissan's e-Power technology. And should you be seeking a mid-sized family SUV, you'll find it works well fitted beneath the bonnet of this priciest Qashqai model. Pricing could be an issue of course. For the money Nissan is asking here, you could have a Plug-in Hybrid with lower tax liability. But after looking at the e-Power concept, you might feel this clever Qashqai nails the eco-driving brief rather better than one of those, especially in this improved form. It's always an EV; yet always gives you engine range flexibility. There's a cost for that, but we can understand why you might see it as one well worth paying.