Nissan Qashqai e-Power cracks UK distance record

NISSAN Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) experts have driven the petrol-electric Qashqai e-Power from Land’s End to John O’Groats with fuel to spare.

Driving the iconic journey in 18 hours, spread over two days, Nissan engineers covered 837 miles (1347km) – the full length of the UK – in a pair of standard third generation Qashqai e-Power SUVs, amazingly with 100 miles (161km) of range remaining at the finish line.

The average fuel consumption figure set for the trip was an impressive 75.0mpg (3.8L/100km), besting the previous benchmark set by a diesel-powered Qashqai back in 2007. That vehicle, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, achieved 67.4mpg (4.2L/100km) over the same course.

“Driving the Qashqai e-Power from Land’s End to John O’Groats really showcased the strength of the new powertrain,” said NTCE vehicle evaluation engineer Dean Driver.

“Not only did it deliver a smooth and quiet drive throughout the journey, but we completed over 800 miles with fuel still in the tank, proving just how far this technology has come in combining range with refinement.”

Unlike traditional hybrids, the Qashqai e-Power system uses a petrol engine solely to generate electricity, which in turn powers an electric motor that drives the wheels.

According to Nissan, this means the wheels are driven only by electric power, delivering instant torque, smooth acceleration, and a quieter ride, all without the need to plug in.

The “five-in-one” driveline integrates key components including the electric motor, generator, inverter, increaser, and reducer to a completely new redesigned turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine.

That unit features Nissan’s proprietary STARC combustion concept, which has lifted thermal efficiency to 42 per cent by stabilising in-cylinder combustion, enabling the engine to operate more quietly and effectively at lower speeds.

“The third-generation e-Power (driveline) reflects everything we’ve learned from years of development,” said Nissan AMIEO senior vice president of regional research and development David Moss.

“We have taken the best elements from previous systems, listened to what customers value most, and re-engineered the platform to maximise efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance driving comfort, all while maintaining diesel-like range.

“We’re proud that the new e-Power now delivers best-in-class driving performance, fuel economy, and emissions.”

Locally, the 2025 Nissan Qashqai e-Power is available from $47,165 plus on-road costs. It is available alongside petrol-powered models and competes within the bustling Small SUV under $45K segment where it has sold 3104 units to date this year.

Across the segment, the Nissan Qashqai is bested by the Hyundai Kona (with 13,144 unit sales YTD), MG ZS (11,739), GWM Haval Jolion (10,716), Cherry Tiggo 4 (10,061), Mitsubishi ASX (7496), Mazda CX-30 (7466), Toyota Corolla Cross (6821), Subaru Crosstrek (6762), Kia Seltos (5263), and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (3524).