The Nissan Qashqai crossover is the most popular model from the Japanese automaker in Europe, and the Ukrainian market is no exception. As a result, the update of this bestseller always attracts significant attention. Journalists from RBK-Ukraine spent a week with the new model, gathered their impressions, and share their conclusions.
With the facelift that followed three years of production, the Qashqai's appearance has been aligned with the more modern models from the Japanese manufacturer – such as the electric Nissan Ariya, the refreshed Juke crossover, and others. However, some less discerning drivers confused our test subject with other Asian automakers.
5
Regardless, the previous V-shaped grille at the front of the vehicle has been replaced with a trendy wide "grille" featuring integrated yet distinct components of diode lighting. The headlights themselves have also become much more compact and are designed as a two-story setup – the upper section houses the daytime running lights, while the matrix headlights are positioned below.
At the rear, attentive drivers may notice the taillights with a fresh design and a more sculpted bumper. Interestingly, the optics default to a white-transparent appearance, making the contrasting elements look more striking. By the way, the test vehicle also received the optional N-Design exterior decor package, which includes sporty accents and 20-inch wheels instead of the standard 18 or 19-inch sizes. Additionally, several new body colors are offered, with the test crossover painted in one of them – green.
6
It’s worth noting the surround monitoring system of the Japanese vehicle. Firstly, the cameras are positioned relatively high, ensuring decent visibility even after driving on rainy roads. Furthermore, the vehicle's movement trajectories are drawn quite accurately – with minimal buffer space, and the graphics do not overlap with foreign objects. Additionally, the surround view system now features modes with a three-dimensional view and a "transparent hood."
The changes in the interior of the updated vehicle are not as extensive as those on the exterior. The most noticeable updates pertain to the finishing materials and the proprietary infotainment system. The new media system is built on the Android operating system, now featuring integrated Google maps and a smarter voice assistant. Interestingly, the automatic parking system has learned to remember frequently used parking spots.
7
Moreover, top trims after the update can boast of dashboard and transmission tunnel embellishments made from artificial leather – alcantara. On one hand, this is indeed visually appealing and quite different from most competitors. Additionally, in sunny weather, this covering minimizes reflections from glass and plastic that can dazzle the driver and passengers.
8
However, there are concerns about practicality... There is a definite worry that in the contact areas of hands, especially elbows, near the gear stick, it may wear out over time, and we won't even think about spilled coffee in the cup holder.
9
The front seats have also gained a massage function with the update, of course, for an additional fee. The massage offers three programs that target the lumbar and back areas. It is activated through a button on the seat, while the modes are controlled via the central screen.
0
It is evident that the engineers cared for both front and rear passengers. Of course, a center armrest with a couple of cup holders and charging ports for smartphones no longer surprises anyone. However, the rear door that opens at least 90 degrees can indeed impress, as this functionality is not often found. Such "swing" will be especially appreciated by parents who occasionally need to install child seats.
1
The luggage compartment of the Qashqai with a hybrid powertrain has slightly lost volume compared to non-electrified versions. On the left side of the E-Power version's trunk, a substantial plastic cover conceals the battery, which means the trunk can hold slightly fewer items – 455 liters compared to 504 liters.
It also "looks" quite unusual, sometimes hindering the use of the full width of the compartment. However, there is space for an almost full-size spare wheel (for base versions, this is the main size) measuring 215/55 R18 under the main floor, and it also houses a Bose subwoofer.
2
The test vehicle is equipped with the e-Power series hybrid system. The total power of the powertrain is 190 hp, and the car is only available with front-wheel drive. The hybrid powertrain e-Power features a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection and a variable compression ratio system.
Thanks to this system, the engine can operate at maximum efficiency in various modes. Yes, at low RPMs, when the turbocharger is not active, the compression ratio rises to 14:1. This increases the efficiency of gasoline combustion and the engine's output. When the turbocharger kicks in, to prevent detonation, the engine reduces the compression ratio to 8:1.
3
Interestingly, the gasoline engine is not connected to the wheels but serves as a generator to charge the battery and power the electric motor. The wheels are driven directly by the electric motor. There is no traditional transmission; its role is performed by a gearbox mounted directly on the front axle, integrated with the electric motor.
When drivers see that a hybrid is in front of them, the question of fuel consumption immediately arises. For the Nissan Qashqai, this parameter greatly depends on operating conditions. For instance, if the vehicle is moving in the city, its concept and energy consumption (from the internal combustion engine and electric motors) become similar to that of an electric vehicle – meaning it consumes less in heavy traffic than at speed on the highway. In the city, it’s easy to achieve 5.8-6 liters per 100 km. If driving at 110-130 km/h on an uncongested road, the car consumes no more than 6.6 liters per 100 km. This is quite modest consumption, considering the size of the Japanese crossover.
4
Interestingly, the Nissan Qashqai also has a purely electric mode – it’s no coincidence that some trunk space has been allocated for the battery. However, don't expect record ranges; the car can run without gasoline for no more than 3-4 km, and only if you don't exceed 20-30 km/h. This may be sufficient for a short drive through a park or on a road where internal combustion engine vehicles are prohibited. Yes, such areas already exist in several EU countries.
There’s another "feature" that connects the hybrid crossover to electric vehicles. This is the "one-pedal" mode, or e-Pedal. When activated, releasing the accelerator pedal minimally engages the highest level of regeneration, returning kinetic energy to the battery. It works until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. In simple terms, you can avoid using the brakes by simply releasing the gas pedal when you need to slow down. However, before fully trusting the electronics, it's advisable to experiment, as there may be situations on the road where traditional brakes are necessary.
5
Despite the 20-inch wheels and good dynamics, our test subject pleasantly surprised with its smooth ride. Of course, the suspension and low-profile tires may not adequately handle a series of waves or cracks in old asphalt. However, small potholes, longitudinal waves, and other unpleasant asphalt irregularities remain somewhere beneath the vehicle.
The Japanese crossover also has certain preparations for off-road driving. With a ground clearance of 175 mm, it is quite practical. It allows you to jump onto a curb if needed or confidently tackle winter "ice" on an unplowed road. Moreover, thanks to the electronic simulation of the inter-wheel differential, the Qashqai can continue to drive even when one of the driving wheels loses traction. Nevertheless, it’s essential to remember that the Nissan Qashqai E-Power is only front-wheel drive.
6
In the Ukrainian market, prices for the Nissan Qashqai start at 1,116,090 hryvnias. For this amount, customers will receive the base version with a 140 hp engine. In total, the vehicle is available in 5 configurations. Interestingly, the most powerful hybrid powertrain, the E-Power with 190 hp, like that of the test vehicle, can be had in any configuration – from the base to the most expensive. The price for such a hybrid ranges from 1,590,950 to 1,982,000 hryvnias.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Nissan Qashqai
Key advantages of our test subject: