Nissan and Mitsubishi are not direct rivals but have a long-standing alliance that began in 2016.
This alliance, known as the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, allows both companies to hold stakes in each other’s brands while remaining separate entities. The agreement aims to pool resources and share costs to adapt to the changing automotive market, particularly amid increasing competition from Chinese automakers. The potential merger between Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi could create a significant player in the global automotive market, potentially surpassing Toyota and Volkswagen in sales.
So, let’s first look at Nissan’s most accessible e-power model – the Qashqai e-Power that widens the choice of an innovative hybrid technology for Aussie drivers.
Previously, Nissan’s e-Power technology was available only on the flagship Qashqai Ti-L and the street-smart Qashqai-Design. But it will now be offered on the Qashqai Ti, priced at $47,165. That makes it the most accessible e-Power model to date, with the Qashqai joining the X-Trail Ti e-Power ($49,490) in delivering an EV-like drive experience and impressive efficiency.
The Ti e-Power delivers the same generous equipment list as the petrol-powered Qashqai Ti and benefits from the range-wide updates to design, technology, safety and connectivity that arrived with the MY25 Qashqai.
“We describe e-power technology as the powertrain for today, delivering a smooth, quiet and EV-like drive experience, and improved efficiency, without ever needing to recharge,” enthused Warwick Daly, deputy director retail campaigns at Nissan Australia.
“The arrival of the Ti e-Power also expands the Qashqai’s appeal even further, with the range now spanning five grades, electrified and ICE powertrains, and the confidence of five-star safety right across the line-up,” Daly said.
Like the Ti-L and N-Design e-Power models, the Ti e-Power combines a 1.5L variable-compression-ratio turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine with a power generator, inverter, and electric motor, delivering a combined system output of 140 kW and 330 Nm. Nissan’s e-Pedals, with step and regenerative braking, further enhance the EV-like driving experience.
Contributing to that EV feeling is the lack of a traditional gearbox, which means the wheels are driven only by the electric motor, delivering smooth, instant acceleration, very similar to a full battery-electric vehicle.
The advanced turbocharged engine generates electricity, which is transferred via the inverter to either the 140kW electric motor, the 1.8 kWh battery, or both, depending on the driving scenario. The result is a smooth, quiet drive, improved efficiency and complete range freedom, without ever needing to plug in.
The Nissan Qashqai e-Power has a fuel economy of 4.8L/100 km combined, while the Nissan X-Trail e-Power has a fuel consumption of 4.5L/100 km combined. The e-Power hybrid system allows efficient operation, utilising the electric motor for acceleration and the petrol engine to charge the battery.
The Ti e-Power shares the generous equipment list of the petrol Ti, including a 12.3-in. infotainment screen, 12.3-in. digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats, and 19-in. wheels.
It also adds 360 degree cameras, front and rear parking sensors, ambient lighting, and rear privacy glass, making it a well-rounded family SUV.
