Electric cars just don’t suit everyone and never will

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Car Reviewed: Nissan Qashqai e-POWER 190 N-Design

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Charging infrastructure is improving in leaps and bounds, more so in some areas than others. But still having a car you don’t need to charge at all and still bringing environmental benefits is still a good start.

The Qashqai is a great-looking crossover. The model on test was the Qashqai e-POWER 190 N-Design, a new grade with unique 20″ alloy wheels. It’s not the highest spec but loaded with most things you want. Magnetic blue is the colour I would choose with the black pearl roof. The new front styling with new headlights and grille is really striking. The ambient lighting is a nice touch on the inside, and there is a choice of 64 different colours.

Nissan was right there at the start in 2007 with the first crossovers, and the Qashqai is now in this third generation. It has just got better and better. It is regularly in the top 5 best-selling cars in the UK and has a lot of fans. Also, it is built in the UK in Sunderland; Nissan builds two of the best sellers in the top 5 in the UK. The other is the Juke.

The Qashqai e-Power is driven by an electric motor, a three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid engine with 190hp; this works in the background as an inverter for the power that then charges the 1.8kWH lithium-ion battery pack or powers the 140kW electric motor which drives the car. Emissions are lower at 117g/Km but not low, low like zero g/km achieved with a fully electric BEV.

Performance is brisk and relatively peaceful, as the engine isn’t always needed. Acceleration is good due to the immediate power from the electric motor. It has a top speed of 105mph and 7.9 seconds 0-62mph, making it more than an adequate performer for a family car. Overall fuel consumption is around 40-46mpg, not too shabby but not quite as good as some other hybrids out there.

The interior is very well put together, stylish, and has a lot of equipment and safety features, which are standard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are, of course, available. Also, Google built-in, which is great for maps without using your phone, and the ability to use your Google account with “heyGoogle” to utilise many of Google apps/services and the car’s functions while on the move. With even more connectivity on board, It is also possible with a data plan to use Amazon Alexa connected to music and services you use, even your home.

Driving the Qashqai, the feeling is more of an electric car, more relaxing than usual. When using the e-Pedal step while on the run, which handles acceleration and braking using just a single pedal, as you slow down, the system harvests power back to the battery.

Boot space is good with a two-layer approach and a false floor shelf, which is suitable for concealing items that may not be required.

These latest updates ensure the future is bright. The Qashqai with e-Power is here to stay as one of the best-selling crossovers in the UK, the mid-priced N-Design grade is a good choice.