Popular and with a new powertrain

Most car manufacturers have a car which can best be described as their ‘cash cow’ — and in Nissan’s case, it’s the Qashqai.

In 2025, it came third in the UK’s list of best sellers, racking up 41,141 sales. For the record, second place went to the Kia Sportage (47,788) with top spot reserved for Ford’s Puma (55,488).

Bearing in mind that this is the third generation of the Qashqai — it’s been with us since 2006 — it’s done well to stay so fresh.

And of course, it’s built in Blighty by the guys and girls at the Sunderland plant. Last year saw the Qashqai build total on Wearside go beyond 4.5 million in what is the UK’s biggest factory with over 6,000 employees. The latest Nissan Leaf and Nissan Juke are also built there.

However, the arrival of a new powertrain could see the popularity of the Nissan Qashqai continue to grow.

What has changed?

The car has already had a bit of a mid-life update in late 2024, which we reckon has made the Qashqai even more handsome thanks to a new grille with slim headlights that sweep around the top of the wings. There are new door mirrors, restyled alloys, and revamped interior trim with smart Alcantara materials on the dashboard, door inserts and armrests. It gives the Qashqai an upmarket appearance. If you go for one of the higher level trims, you’ll also get plush quilted leather seats, which look gorgeous and are comfy and supportive too.

Tech has also been updated with the Qashqai being one of the first Nissans to have Google built in. The popular Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play work really well, so if you’re familiar with a smartphone, you’ll be right at home. It really is one of the best systems around. There’s also a new 360-degree camera system, which features a 3D function, allowing drivers to choose from eight different camera viewpoints (front, rear, side, or corner) to spot hazards.

The previous Qashqai was by no means shabby, but these tweaks have made it an increasingly attractive proposition to sit in. It’s not the most spacious family SUV, but passenger accommodation is excellent. One let down is the boot, which, at 504 litres, is not the biggest, but I’ll admit I’m being a little picky. Overall, as family transportation goes, the interior is one of the nicest places to be.

e-Power means extra power — and more economy

However, the big change, and arguably the most important, is what’s happened under the bonnet.

The entry-level 1.3-litre petrol mild hybrid model continues as before. You can get it in either 138bhp manual or 156bhp automatic. Prices start at £30,615 (Feb 26). In terms of speed and economy, you’re looking at a 0-60mph sprint that takes 10.2 seconds, while Nissan reckons you can manage 44.8mpg. Both figures are okay, but not exactly startling.

I reckon the one to go for is the new 1.5 litre e-Power model, which churns out 202bhp. You need to find an extra four grand, mind, but I reckon it’s worth every hard-earned penny. The 0-60mph time comes in quicker at 7.6 seconds in Sport Mode, and your economy climbs sharply to a predicted 64.2mpg. That’s more like it.

Latest improvements are transformational

All Nissan Qashais now drive the front wheels only, with the all-wheel drive model getting the chop.

Unless you’re currently riding around in a 1.5-litre hybrid Qashqai, you won’t appreciate the differences which this new engine provides, but please believe me, it has transformed the Nissan Qashqai.

It’s not as though the replaced model was awful because it really wasn’t. It’s just that the latest technical improvements have shown where its weaknesses lie.

Without getting technical, the engine doesn’t drive the wheels. The engine is, in effect, a generator which tops up a battery. The battery then powers an electric motor, which drives the front wheels. The result is that you have a 3-cylinder petrol car which feels pretty much like an electric car, all without the range anxiety.

Driving experience

And all of this technical wizardry works seamlessly. You don’t notice the engine bursting into life. At town speeds, you can also trundle along using battery power alone. It’s only when you’re out on the open road that the difference between this powertrain and the previous one becomes apparent. The engine is new. It gets a bigger turbocharger, which allows more power to be produced and prevents the engine from revving so high, which was a problem with the predecessor.

It’s also spookily quiet. There’s additional soundproofing, but another big improvement is that the mechanical setup is now much smoother. Rather than having various bits of engine, electric motor, transmission, etc scattered around the engine bay, Nissan’s engineers have developed a power unit which has everything enclosed. This results in less vibration and less noise and makes the car feel and sound much more refined. ]

Serious mileage, serious efficiency

Efficiency has also improved, which accounts for the marked improvement in economy from 54mpg in the previous model to 64.2mpg. Emissions have dropped and Nissan has extended service intervals from 9,000 to 12,000 miles. In other words, this latest 1.5-litre Nissan Qashqai is cheaper to run and cheaper to maintain. Result. Make full use of the hybrid system, and Nissan reckons you’ll manage up to 745 miles on a full tank.

One pedal driving is available, although it doesn’t bring the car to a standstill. Regenerative braking is activated by pressing a button on the centre console.

Overall, if you are looking for family transportation, the Nissan Qashqai in 1.5 litre e-Power guise is a belter. Well equipped, incredibly economical, especially at town speeds, looks good, roomy, comfortable and nice to drive. I was hugely impressed.

And it’s built in Britain.

words: Graham Courtney
pictures: Nissan

Nissan Qashqai e-Power - Cash Cow Stays Fresh (and British Built)