It’s time for hybrids to step up, and the 2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Power does just that, changing the game by turning the procedure on its head. Instead of a heat engine with battery assistance, this compact SUV works in that direction.
Throwing culture out the window, this is an electric vehicle with the added advantages of an onboard internal combustion generator. This piqued our curiosity to see how it compares to the larger X-Trail Ti-L e-Power.
In the case of the Qashqai Ti version, a 1. 5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine is located on the hood, which has no connection to the wheels (as we said, it is a generator). The electrical component offers 140 kW of force and 330 Nm of torque.
The fuel output is fantastic, averaging 5. 1 litres/100 km. It’s also a very good vehicle to drive, regardless of distance, as our tests added masses of traffic in Sydney, as well as in Hunter Valley, near Newcastle.
Because of the way your brain is trained, it takes a few days to realize that no change in speed is taking place and that there is only a smooth transition from stopping to the speed you want to reach.
Handling is excellent and Nissan offers an electronic pedal feature which, for the uninitiated, is necessarily one-pedal driving (where the car uses its momentum and weight to regenerate force and slow down when you hit the accelerator).
It is not to everyone’s liking, adds this writer, because it takes a little time to get used to and it is dirty. This takes away the joy of hitting the brakes or stepping on the accelerator pedal, and being able to decide to do so, regardless of the vehicle.
Anyway, there is also an attractive generation in the driving experience, with intelligent cruise control and maximum driving force assistance systems (forward collision, lane change, etc. ), both precise and transparent in their operation.
If there is an exception, it is parking assistance. While you can parallel park your vehicle hands-free, when there is traffic around you waiting for you to move, your excessive sensitivity can be stressful and frustrating. Unless you’re bad at parking, then this is fantastic.
Issues are found with the ISOFOX anchorage on all three rear seats and the Qashqai has an ANCAP protection rating of 5 stars. In terms of design, the front finish is neat, with a genuinely youthful presence. The contours continue from the hood to the edge, wrapping around the grille.
Crisp LED headlights and lighting fixtures that work during daylight hours are etched into the bodywork, squinting like eyes, with design touches in the form of built-in tabs. Being the Ti e-Power model, you also get a chrome finish that enhances the look.
The front-facing sensors and cameras are elegantly hidden within the design, preserving aesthetics. From the side, your eyes are directed in two directions. You’ll first notice the generously sized 19-inch alloy wheels, which increase the Qashqai’s “trickle-down” factor.
The healthy wheel arches are covered in black, offering a distinctive boundary between the color of the frame and the wheels, while there’s also the option of a two-tone paint. Our check style will be available in Ceramic Grey, with a pearl black roof. for what we describe as an ambitious look.
The rear ends strong and sexy, with a sporty spoiler on the tailgate. The LED taillights are etched into the body, allowing traffic from the front. The rear view camera is visible, although only slightly, and although we would prefer it to be more hidden, it looks much worse.
Inside, find an exclusive space, where your buttocks are greeted by leather-trimmed, padded seats, featuring massage capabilities and 8-way strength adjustment for driver and passenger. The latter is decent and is a wonderful inclusion (and wonderful relief). ) on longer trips.
A magnificent panoramic glass roof with electric sun visor completes the interior, filling the cabin with light and creating a feeling of greater space. It’s a desktop unit, though, so don’t open it to feel the wind in your hair.
On the generation front, locate a 12. 3-inch TFT toolgroup, a 10. 8-inch head-up display, and a 12. 3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It looks wonderful and comes with a wireless charging station for phones, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay. and Android Auto.
If you need more charging, there’s a USB-A and USB-C port in the center console, as well as the same for the rear passengers. And just when you think it can’t get any better, it is, with a 10-inch speaker. Bose sound formula with Acoustimass Bass Box.
The treble is crystal clear and the bass is perfect, in a setup that would give some home entertainment setups a run for their money. You’ll also find good-sized cupholders in the center console, deep bottle holders in the doors, and a forced tailgate. and a charging bubble.
The boot area is 452 litres with the rear seats folded down, or 1,518 litres when folded. Overall, this is an impressive premium package, in a vehicle that works as a hybrid differently. And because, let’s face it, to be individual, there’s a lot of external colors.
The 2024 Nissan Qashqai Ti e-Power is available in Gun Metallic, Ceramic Grey, Platinum, Burgundy, Fuji Sunset Red, Ivory Pearl, Magnetic Blue, Pearl Black, Ivory Pearl with Pearl Black roof, Pearl Black with Gun Metallic roof. and Fuji. Sunset red with pearl black roof.
But wait, plus, you can also opt for Ceramic Gray with a Black Pearl roof, or Magnetic Blue with a Black Pearl roof. Top it all off with a 5-year warranty and 5-year roadside assistance, for that extra price and peace of mind.
You can buy one for around $54,240 in a car, depending on the color you choose. For more information, visit the Nissan Australia online page or speak to your local dealer.
Our verification vehicle is provided through Nissan Australia for independent review purposes.