2021 Nissan Qashqai Reveals Hybrid Engine Lineup, Including 187 HP e-Power

The all-new 2021 Qashqai is about to hit the European market and Nissan decided to share more information about its hybrid-only powertrain range before its official market launch later this year.

We already knew that the new Qashqai will be the company’s first model to offer an e-Power range-extender powertrain in Europe, but now we have more details on it. The same model should make its appearance in North America as the new Rogue Sport, although it remains to be confirmed if it’ll use the same powertrains.

Read More: Take An Official Peek Inside The 2021 Nissan Qashqai – Aka The New Rogue Sport

Nissan’s approach to electrification is rather different than most automakers as it opted for range-extender powertrains instead of the more traditional plug-in hybrids. Unlike the latter, the ICE engine isn’t connected to the wheels but rather acts as a charging device for the onboard battery, giving the vehicle the driving characteristics of an EV and, according to Nissan, superior fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

The e-Power unit in the new Qashqai has been developed specifically for it and uses a 155HP 1.5-liter variable-compression petrol engine as a range extender for the “high-output” battery. The electric motor, which drives the wheels, produces 187 HP (190 PS), the official power output of the new Nissan Qashqai e-Power that will go on sale later in 2022.

Nissan says that the new Qashqai e-Power, which will be available only as a 2WD, not only accelerates quicker than its hybrid rivals but does so with a lower engine rpm, which should mean that it doesn’t suffer from the much-criticized rubber-band effect under acceleration of other parallel hybrids with CVT transmissions. In addition, Nissan has also added the e-Pedal mode, first seen on the Leaf EV, to allow for true ‘one-pedal’ driving.

“The e-POWER system offers the best transition technology between ICE and EV, allowing users to enjoy exhilarating EV driving sensations and impressive efficiency at an affordable price point,” said David Moss, Nissan’s Region Senior Vice President Research and Development, Africa, Middle East, India, Europe, and Oceania. “We’re really looking forward to customers experiencing the thrill of new Qashqai’s superior electrified driving performance – it’s a perfect expression of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.”

The other powertrain in the 2021 Qashqai range will be an updated, mild-hybrid version of the 1.3-liter DiG-T petrol unit. This engine, which was originally co-developed between Nissan, Renault, and Daimler, is now paired to a 12-volt mild-hybrid system, adding just 22 kg to the vehicle weight, and will be offered in two power outputs, with 138 HP (140 PS) and 156 HP (158 PS).

The entry-level 138 HP version of the 2021 Qashqai’s mild-hybrid 1.3-liter powertrain will be offered only in 2WD with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the more powerful 156 HP variant will be optionally available with all-wheel-drive and a new-gen Xtronic CVT transmission.