Nissan's e-POWER is the cleverest hybrid system most Australians have not driven yet. The petrol engine never drives the wheels directly. It runs as a generator that charges a small battery, which then drives the electric motor that drives the car. The result feels like an EV, sounds like an EV, and uses about 5 L/100 km of regular unleaded.
What you are buying
A 1.5 L three-cylinder petrol engine acting as a generator, paired with a 140 kW electric drive motor and a small lithium-ion buffer battery. The N-Design spec is the top trim, with the two-tone paint, the panoramic roof, the bigger wheels, and the upgraded ProPILOT driver assistance.
The drive experience is the headline. Single-pedal e-Pedal mode is genuinely usable, instant torque off the line, and on the highway the petrol engine sits at its efficient sweet spot rather than chasing throttle inputs.
Cartell Assessment
If you want EV-style city driving but cannot or will not install a home charger, the Qashqai e-POWER solves the problem. It is the most relaxing way to spend a Sydney peak hour in a small SUV. The compromise is a higher price than the petrol Qashqai, and you are still buying fuel at the bowser.
AU Outlook
N-Design e-POWER sits in the low-$50k drive-away range. Cheaper e-POWER trims start around the high-$40k mark. Cross-shop against the Honda HR-V e:HEV and the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid before committing.
The spec sheet
- Power
- 140 kW (drive motor)
- Torque
- 330 Nm
- Drive
- FWD e-POWER series hybrid
- Fuel
- 5.2 L/100 km (combined)
- Seats
- 5
- Warranty
- 5 years / unlimited km
- Safety
- ANCAP 5-star
Trim levels & pricing
| Trim | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| ST-L e-POWER | from $47,890 drive-away (verify) | Entry e-POWER trim |
| Ti e-POWER | from $51,365 drive-away (verify) | Leather, premium audio, ProPILOT |
| N-Design e-POWER | from $52,365 drive-away (verify) | Two-tone paint, panoramic roof, 20 inch wheels |
Prices indicative — see the manufacturer for current drive-away pricing.
