Nissan’s Qashqai, equipped with its revolutionary e-POWER technology, has clinched the prestigious 'Best Powertrain' accolade at the 2024 News UK Motor Awards, solidifying its place as a trailblazer in the electrified crossover market. Celebrated by The Sun, The Sunday Times, and driving.co.uk, the British-built Qashqai continues to shine with its game-changing combination of electric and petrol power, offering a truly innovative driving experience.
What sets the Qashqai with e-POWER apart from its competitors is its pioneering hybrid system. Unlike conventional hybrids, the wheels are driven solely by an electric motor, mimicking the smooth, quiet driving feel of a full electric vehicle—without the need for plug-in charging. The vehicle’s turbocharged three-cylinder engine works only to generate electricity, which powers either the motor, the 1.8kWh battery, or both, depending on driving conditions. This innovative design delivers the best of both worlds: electric vehicle performance and efficiency, combined with the convenience of a petrol engine.
The award recognises Nissan’s continued innovation and highlights its leadership in the automotive industry. Rob Gill, Motors Editor at The Sun, praised the Qashqai’s performance: "We can't get enough of them. Qashqai is the car that started it all and now the clever e-POWER system moves the game on even further.
"It has all the advantages of an electric car without the not-so-good bits like recharging with a plug. The petrol engine charges the battery and electric motor drives the wheels. We averaged 46mpg over 700 miles, which is mighty impressive for a family SUV, plus it's designed, engineered and made in Britain."
The Qashqai has enjoyed widespread success since its launch in September 2022, with over 140,000 units sold in the UK. As Diana Torres, Managing Director of Nissan GB, highlighted, the recognition of the Qashqai at the 2024 Motor Awards reinforces the importance of the model both for Nissan and its customers: ''We couldn't be more thrilled that the new Qashqai, powered by Nissan's unique e-POWER technology, beats hybrid rivals in highly competitive class at the News UK Motor Awards 2024. It means a huge amount to be selected for recognition by some of the UK's most popular publications and their motoring experts.
''Nissan is proud to have created the crossover segment when it launched Qashqai in 2007. The cars on sale today are a far cry from those early models, of course, and the introduction of e-POWER technology in 2022 was a huge moment for Qashqai. It's a car that's incredibly important to all of us at Nissan and continues to be much-loved by our customers.''
Adding to the vehicle’s momentum, Nissan’s bold marketing campaigns have also caught the public’s imagination. Most notably, a replica of the Qashqai was attached to the Truman Brewery’s chimney in East London, an eye-catching stunt that garnered widespread acclaim from industry experts. This marketing effort reflects Nissan’s confidence in the vehicle’s place at the forefront of the electrified SUV market.
The Qashqai with e-POWER is more than just a well-designed car; it represents a forward-thinking approach to modern driving, providing drivers with cutting-edge technology without the anxiety of recharging or limited range. As the automotive industry continues to transition towards electrification, Nissan’s innovative solutions ensure that the Qashqai remains a leader, offering drivers the perfect stepping stone between traditional fuel-powered vehicles and fully electric ones.
The award solidifies the Qashqai’s position as a must-have for British motorists, demonstrating that Nissan’s forward-thinking hybrid system is both practical and future-proof, setting a new standard in the family SUV market.