It’s time to say goodbye to the Nissan Qashqai e-Power after six months, 10,000km, and one new tyre. During our time with this small hybrid SUV, we put it through its paces with numerous trips to the Lang Lang proving ground, covering a round trip of approximately 200km each time. Surprisingly, the Qashqai proved to be a competent and comfortable highway cruiser, despite its on-paper credentials.
One memorable moment was when the Qashqai featured as our “police car” in a video where we compared Waze, Google Maps, and a car’s speedometer to a police-spec laser. It performed admirably in this role, showcasing its versatility and practicality.
With a fully charged battery, the Qashqai was able to run silently, power heated seats, and even operate equipment like a laser via its 12V interior outlet. It also served as the carrier for our car-to-car tracking camera during filming, providing a smooth base for capturing moving shots.
The rear storage space in the Qashqai was surprisingly ample, easily accommodating all the filming equipment we needed for our shoots. Despite being classified as a small SUV, it offered enough room in the boot for our gear, making it a practical choice for our needs.
However, there were some drawbacks to the Qashqai. The seats, while comfortable, were not ideal for Australian summers, as the leather material became sticky and uncomfortable in hot weather. Additionally, the infotainment system, though boasting a large 12.3-inch touchscreen, had issues with the camera vision and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Despite these shortcomings, the Qashqai excelled on the open road, delivering impressive fuel economy of 4.9L/100km on a 400km round trip from Melbourne to Ballarat. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, but the tires were noisy on coarse-chip roadways. Overall, the Qashqai proved to be a capable long-distance cruiser, though improvements could be made to enhance the driving experience.
In conclusion, the Nissan Qashqai e-Power is a versatile and practical SUV that offers good fuel economy and comfortable cruising capabilities. With some refinements to the seats, infotainment system, and powertrain, it has the potential to be a standout choice in its segment. Despite its minor drawbacks, the Qashqai remains a solid option for those seeking a reliable and efficient vehicle for everyday use.
