If something works, why change it? This is what Nissan has done with the Qashqai in the last 15 years, touching it as little as possible to continue being the best-selling SUV in Spain and one of the most popular vehicles in the world. The third generation of the Japanese crossover, which will hit the market in 2022, will still be recognizable by all, but there is something that will be completely new and different. The new Qashqai, which will be presented in spring 2021
Says goodbye to diesel and welcomes electrification with the landing in Europe of two hybrid versions a mild-hybrid with a 12 V mild hybridization system and another version with e-Power electric technology, exclusively designed by Nissan and that combines the softness and feel of an electric vehicle with the autonomy of a combustion car.
The light hybridization system is linked to the 1.3 petrol engine presented in the Qashqai in 2018 with two different powers ( 140 hp and 158 hp ) and with a 6-speed manual transmission or Xtronic CVT automatic transmission (only for the 158 hp version). Driven only by the combustion engine, the energy from the decelerations is recovered and stored in the lithium-ion battery installed under the ground, providing the driver with extra torque (6 Nm) and longer engine stopping times when decelerating.
If we talk about the innovative e-Power propulsion system, which debuts in Europe with the new Qashqai, the electric motor does drive the vehicle, although it is not exactly like conventional hybrid systems, which drive the wheels by means of an electric motor and a motor internal combustion according to the circumstances. In the e-Power system, the combustion engine is used only to charge the battery, while the wheels are driven by the electric motor. According to Nissan, this allows the gasoline engine to always run at optimum speed, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The advantages offered by this system are a high instantaneous torque typical of electric cars, direct connection, electric driving in urban traffic conditions (without worrying about autonomy), and a better acceleration sensation than conventional hybrids. The e-Power system consists of a high-performance battery and motorization integrated with a 157 hp gasoline engine, a power generator, an inverter, and a 140 kW electric motor of similar size and power to those of vehicles Nissan electrics. It is a unique solution because it offers the pleasant seamless linear acceleration so characteristic of electric vehicles but without the daily routine of recharging them.
The new Qashqai e-Power promises a combined consumption of 5.3 l / 100 km and emissions of 122 g / km, although the figures are pending final approval. In addition, it offers three driving modes ( Normal, Sport, and Eco ) and in any of the three modes, it is possible to additionally select mode B which increases retention when lifting the accelerator pedal, thus minimizing the use of the brake.
In intermittent urban driving conditions, e-Pedal mode significantly reduces the need to move your foot from one pedal to the other by generating up to 0.2G of deceleration when taking your foot off the gas pedal, although the vehicle does not come to a complete stop until the brake pedal is pressed. Additionally, drivers can monitor the energy flow of the e-Power system on the 12 ” TFT gauge to verify system status.
The sale of the new Nissan Qashqai equipped with the e-Power system will begin in 2022, but later than the mild hybrid version with 1.3 gasoline engine and 12V electrical system.
